Question

escribe the different functions of the conducting zone and respiratory zone and relate those to differences in their histology.

2. State whether hyperventilation and emphysema would raise or lower each of the following—the blood Po₂, Pco₂, and pH—and explain why.

Answer 1

The difference in the function of conducting zone and the respiratory zone are listed below:

1. Conducting zone: The conducting zone helps in conducting the movement of air inside and out of the lungs.
2. Respiratory zone: The respiratory zones help in exchanging the gases between the lungs and the blood.

The difference in the histology of conducting zone and the respiratory zone are listed below:

1. Respiratory zone: Included the alveoli and terminal bronchioles which helps in the exchange of the gases.
2. Conducting zone: the layer is mainly formed of the columnar epithelium (which is pseudostratified ciliated) along with goblet cells.

During hyperventilation the person breaths heavily which leads to more exhalation than inhalation. As more carbon dioxide is being exhaled during the process the blood Pco2 level is being lowered. Similarly, as there is a decrease in the Pco2 level the average Po2 is also being decreased.

1. Blood Po2: Lowered (directly proportional to the blood Pco2 level, so as Pco2 decreases, Po2 also decreases)
2. Blood Pco2: Lowered
3. Blood pH: Raised (As the level of carbon dioxide is reduced in the blood, this causes blood to become more alkaline and pH is raised)

During emphysema, the alveoli or air sacs of lungs get damaged, and as the air sacs are damaged the person is not able to intake oxygen and exhale the carbon dioxide. due to this, the level of blood Po2 is being lowered in the blood and the Pco2 Increased. As the level Pco2 increases, the blood becomes more acidic hence lowing the blood pH.

1. Blood Po2: Lowered
2. Blood Pco2: Raised
3. Blood pH: Lowered (As the level Pco2 increases, the blood becomes more acidic hence lowing the blood pH.)