You and a friend are having a contest to see who can hold his or her breath the longest. Your friend hyperventilates before holding his breath, and subsequently wins the contest. Why did hyperventilation give him an advantage?
Ch. 21 The Respiratory System
Chapter 21, Problem 21.9a
Match each term with the correct definition
____Airway resistance
____Surface tension
____Surfactant
____Pulmonary compliance
____V/Q ratio
a. A detergent-like chemical secreted by bronchial smooth muscle that reduces surface tension
b. The matching of ventilation to perfusion
c. Largely determined by the diameter of the airways
d. Caused by the formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules
e. Determined by the surface tension of the alveoli, the elastic tissue of the lungs, and the condition of the chest wall

1
Identify the key characteristics of each term: Airway resistance, Surface tension, Surfactant, Pulmonary compliance, and V/Q ratio.
Match 'Airway resistance' with the definition that involves the diameter of the airways, which affects airflow.
Match 'Surface tension' with the definition related to hydrogen bonds between water molecules.
Match 'Surfactant' with the definition describing a detergent-like chemical that reduces surface tension.
Match 'Pulmonary compliance' with the definition that involves the surface tension of the alveoli, elastic tissue of the lungs, and chest wall condition.
Recommended similar problem, with video answer:

Verified Solution
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
0m:0sWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Airway Resistance
Airway resistance refers to the resistance to airflow within the respiratory tract, primarily influenced by the diameter of the airways. Smaller airways create higher resistance, making it more difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs. Conditions such as asthma or bronchitis can increase airway resistance, leading to breathing difficulties.
Recommended video:
Altering Resistance in Blood Vessels
Surface Tension
Surface tension is the cohesive force exerted by water molecules at the surface of a liquid, which can affect the behavior of alveoli in the lungs. In the context of respiration, high surface tension can lead to alveolar collapse, making it harder for the lungs to expand. This phenomenon is crucial for understanding how surfactant functions in reducing surface tension.
Recommended video:
Cell Surface Receptors
Surfactant
Surfactant is a substance composed of lipids and proteins secreted by the epithelial cells of the alveoli. Its primary role is to reduce surface tension in the lungs, preventing alveolar collapse and facilitating easier breathing. Surfactant is essential for maintaining pulmonary compliance and overall respiratory function.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Pressure in the Lungs and Pleural Cavity Example 1
Related Practice
Textbook Question
262
views
Textbook Question
Predict what would happen to the tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume if the phrenic nerves were severed. Which muscles would contract to try to compensate for this?
326
views
Textbook Question
Which of the following statements about pulmonary ventilation is false?
a. Normal expiration requires the use of the expiratory muscles to decrease lung volume.
b. The inspiratory muscles increase lung volume, which decreases intrapulmonary pressure.
c. For inspiration to occur, intrapulmonary pressure must decrease below atmospheric pressure.
d. The intrapleural pressure is less than the intrapulmonary pressure; this prevents the lungs from collapsing during expiration.
291
views