Under what internal conditions does air tend to flow into the lungs? The simple answer is that air flows into the lungs because of a pressure gradient. But what creates this pressure gradient? In this article, we’ll explore the different internal conditions that...
During respiration, our lungs work to help the body take in oxygen while removing carbon dioxide. This process is known as gas exchange. For it to function properly, the amount of ventilation must match the amount of perfusion in the alveoli of the lungs. In other...
The process of pulmonary diffusion is a vital part of respiration and refers to the movement of gases between the alveoli and blood. This exchange is necessary in order to ensure that oxygenated blood is delivered to the body’s cells and that carbon dioxide is...
We often think of the heart and kidneys as two completely separate organs, but in reality, they’re closely linked. Heart failure can lead to kidney failure, and vice versa. So, what is renal heart failure? What is heart failure? That is exactly what we are going...
Cardiac electrophysiology refers to the electrical activity and functionality of the heart. It encompasses the study of both normal and abnormal cardiac findings. Abnormal cardiac electrophysiology can lead to arrhythmias, which are irregular heart rhythms that can be...
The respiratory system is responsible for taking in oxygen and getting rid of carbon dioxide. This involves ventilation, oxygenation, and respiration. But what exactly is the difference? Respiration is the process of breathing that involves both ventilation and...
Respiratory failure is a term that refers to inadequate gas exchange. It means that the patient has an inability to take in enough oxygen or remove enough carbon dioxide from the body. It’s a clinical problem that all respiratory therapists and medical...
Gas exchange is the physiological process of diffusion where oxygen moves from the lungs to the bloodstream during inhalation, and carbon dioxide (CO2) moves from the blood to the lungs for removal during exhalation. This is a fundamental topic that must be understood...
When blood circulates through the body, it picks up oxygen from the lungs and delivers it to the tissues. At the same time, blood collects carbon dioxide from the tissues and transports it back to the lungs, where it is exhaled. This process is essential for human...
Ventilation is the process of moving air in and out of the lungs. Alveolar ventilation has the same meaning, except it specifically focuses on the process that takes place in the alveoli of the lungs. As a Respiratory Therapist, it’s essential to develop an...