NR 507 Advanced Pathophysiology (Nr507)

Chapter 35: Structure and Function of the Pulmonary System Tara Morgan • The primary function of the pulmonary system is the exchange of gases between the environmental air and the blood. • There are three steps in this process: ○ Ventilation, the movement of air into and out of the lungs ○ Diffusion, the movement of gases between air spaces in the lungs and the bloodstream ○ Perfusion, the movement of blood into and out of the capillary beds of the lungs to body organs and tiss...