Talk:Human Physiology/The respiratory system

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[edit] Chapter Objectives

You may add to this list, and even subtract from it if you feel it is appropriate to do so. Here are some objectives for the respiratory chapter:

  • Understand the basic anatomy of the respiratory system
  • Understand the mechanics of breathing
  • Know which muscles are involved in inspiration and expiration
  • Compare ventilation, external respiration (at the alveoli), internal respiration (at the tissues), and cellular respiration (in the mitochondria)
  • Understand changes in intrapulmonary and intrapleural pressures during ventilation
  • Understand the role of surfactant
  • Understand the regulation of the breathing response
  • Understand the role of chemoreceptors, such as in the medulla oblongata
  • Understand how oxygen and carbon dioxide are carried into the blood
  • Understand various lung volumes as measured in spirometry (e.g. tidal volume, expiratory reserve volume, etc)
  • Understand the role of the respiratory system in regulating blood pH levels
  • Understand various pulmonary disorders (asthma, emphysema, and other causes of COPD, cystic fibrosis, shallow water blackout, puncture wound, etc)

Let's see what we can do to explain these concepts within the chapter. Remember, you can post any thoughts or questions about the chapter on this page too. Or, if you make a big change you may want to post a summary of it here so people know why you did something.

I appreciate your good work! Provophys 22:37, 27 March 2007 (UTC)


I felt that the first part of the chapter was a little too wordy and too much about less essential functions. So I am going to narrow it to the ones we discussed in class. I will put down here anything cut out in case someone feels it needs to go back into the chapter. OK I have a question.. I like the picture of the snow covered mountain... but why is it in this chapter? Can we take it off and see the table of contents right off? What do you think?never2late 01:54, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

I agree about the mountain- I was wondering the same thing as to why it's there. I plan on taking it out if no one else does. Stephanie greenwood 15:09, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

I think that the great picture of the mountain should be left. All that we need is a small comment concerning the percentage of oxygen in the air at sea level versus the lack of vital oxygen as you get higher and higher up that mountain.ShakahTodd

I agree about the picture.. can we bring it back with a comment about sea level air?

I just cut out a small part about the bicarbonate buffer... if anyone wants to put it back.. please do. Here it is: "So, if you are going in respiratory acidosis the 1st equation will occur. The body's H+ and CO2 levels will rise and the pH will drop. To counteract this the body will breathe more and release H+. In contrast, if you are going into respiratory alkalosis the 2nd equation will occur. The body's H+ and CO2 levels will fall and the pH will rise. So the body will try to breathe less to release HCO3. You can think of it like a leak in a pipe. Whereever there is a leak the body will "fill the hole"."never2late 07:43, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

I have no problem adding the mountain back in as long as it has a reason and isn't just a pretty pic- tell me where you want it and I'll put it back inStephanie greenwood 02:38, 30 March 2007 (UTC)

I feel this chapter is good but does it seem to short? I tried to paste a picture, but I am not sure how can anyone give the details on how to do so? Thank you, Danseyffert 05:17, 30 March 2007 (UTC)

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