Human Anatomy and Physiology/Respiratory System Case Study - Essay Example

The kidneys respond to this change in the pH level of the blood by excreting more bicarbonate, in an attempt to normalize the pH level of the blood. Heart rate and blood pressure levels increase. There is an increase in the production of red blood cells, which is reflected in the increase hematocrit. (1). Labored breathing and exhaustion are the two symptoms exhibited by the climbers. (2). Breathing rate increases to enhance the volume of air breathed in per minute to reduce the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (Pco2) in the alveoli of the lungs.

Exhaustion is the result of drop in Sao2. (1). 3. Compare the air at 18,000 ft (atmospheric pressure 280 mm Hg) to the air at sea level (760 mm Hg). What specific changes in the primary atmospheric gases (nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide) might occur? Are they significant? The atmospheric pressure at 18,000 ft less than half the atmospheric pressure at sea level, which results in the corresponding reduced density of the primary atmospheric gases. This is significant, as there is a reduction in the in the partial pressure of the moist atmospheric gases inspired. (1) The specific pulmonary response to high altitude is the increase in minute ventilation, which is triggered by the oxygen sensing cells in the carotid body.

The increased ventilation results in higher alveolar Po2, which results in decreased Pco2, and cause respiratory alkalosis that acts on the respiratory center of the brain to limit the increase in ventilation. (3). This response will lead to an increase in the level of oxygen arterial blood Pao2 and an increase in the carbon dioxide in the venal blood. The reason for this is that increase in per minute is the response of the body to reduced oxygen available at cell level and increase in ventilation increases the oxygen level in the arterial blood.

Unloading of carbon dioxide from hemoglobin will increase and