Integrated Physiology and Pathophysiology

Gas transport

Introduction For successful cell respiration to occur, multiple systems must work in unison for the transport of oxygen (O 2 ) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ): Respiratory system Hematologic system Cardiovascular system Both O 2 and CO 2 traverse…

Gas exchange in the lung

Introduction Why do we breathe? The vital importance of breathing was clear even in ancient times, when people believed that the air we breathe, or pneumo , gives rise to the spirit. Oxygen in the air enables active cellular metabolism,…

The mechanics of breathing

Introduction The use of oxygen for energy extraction is called aerobic respiration. In humans, gas exchange occurs in the air-filled lungs, which exposes the blood of the circulatory system to the air. Oxygen in the air of the lungs diffuses…

Cardiac physiology

L.B. is a 68-year-old retired accountant who has noticed worsening shortness of breath while mowing his lawn. Presentation: History L.B. was well until 6 months ago, when he noticed extreme fatigue and lightheadedness when moving from a sitting or lying…

Exercise physiology

Introduction Whether running a marathon or toting a hefty biochemistry book up a staircase, exercising muscle places demand on the body through three mechanisms: Increased oxygen and nutrient demand Increased waste products of metabolism Increased heat generation The cardiovascular, respiratory,…

Cardiac electrophysiology

Introduction The heart contains specialized tissue for: (1) generating rhythmic action potentials and (2) conducting those action potentials precisely across the heart. This ensures correct timing of atrial and ventricular contraction. System structure Fig. 11.1 depicts the typical pathway of…

The heart as a pump

Introduction As mentioned in Chapter 9 , the heart is the muscular organ that serves as the pump driving the flow of blood through the cardiovascular system. System structure Located in the mediastinum of the chest at the level of…

The vasculature

Introduction The cardiovascular system serves as the principal transportation and distribution network of the body, allowing: Delivery of several essential substances (e.g., glucose and oxygen) to the tissues Removal of by-products of metabolism (e.g., carbon dioxide, lactate, and heat) In…

Blood and lymph

Note: This case will be presented in a slightly different format, to facilitate our discussion of the sequence of the “normal” immune response. A.P. is a 69-year-old man with hypertension (well controlled, on medications), hypercholesterolemia, and osteoarthritis of the right…

The lymphatic system and the immune system

Introduction The lymphatic system plays two essential roles in the human body: 1. Absorbs fluid from interstitial space and returns fluid to intra-vascular space. a. Transports lymph filtration fluid that enters the interstitial space from the capillaries. 2. Functional connection…