Altitude Physiology: PRESENTED BY Dick Williams
Altitude Physiology: PRESENTED BY Dick Williams
Altitude Physiology: PRESENTED BY Dick Williams
Atmosphere Composition
Circulation System
Respiratory System
Hypoxia
Hyperventilation
Dysbarism
Conclusion
Atmosphere Composition
Definition: a mixture of gases that surround the
earth from it’s surface to approximately 1,200 miles
above the surface.
Ionosphere
extends from surface to approx. 600 miles above
the surface
protects from ultraviolet rays
Exosphere
extends from the ionosphere to about 1,200 miles
above the surface
this outer fringe becomes a vacuum of space
Quick notes about the layers of the
atmosphere
The layers of the atmosphere vary in
temperature and pressure.
Humans can not adapt to these changes
independent of life support systems.
These layers are then divided further into
three other categories referred to as the
Physiological Zones” of the atmosphere, which
are based on their resultant effect on the
human body.
Physiological Zones
Efficient Zone
Deficient Zone
Space Equivalent Zone
Efficient Zone
Extends from sea level to 10,000 feet (troposphere)
humans are physiologically adapted to this zone
also where Army aviators conduct the majority of their
operations
changes in pressure in this zone can cause sinus
and/or middle ear discomfort
oxygen levels are sufficient for healthy person w/o the
aid of protective equipment
Deficient Zone
Extends from 10,000 ft to 50,000 ft
the barometric pressure drops so significantly that
noticeable physiological problems will occur in this
range unless supplemental oxygen is used
this is the region where hypoxia and trapped gas
expansion will occur
Dalton’s Law
Space Equivalent Zone (Lethal Zone)
Extends upward from 50,000 ft.
it is the lethal zone because without supplemental
oxygen death would occur rapidly
due to the reduction of atmospheric pressure the
boiling point of bodily fluids is 98.6 °
basically your blood boils and you and die.
Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures
Definition: the pressure exerted by a mixture of nonreacting
gas is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of the
separate components. Each gaseous mixture is independent
of other gases in the mixture.
Formula: Pt= P1 +P2….Pn
% of atmospheric concentration total atmospheric pressure of
the individual gas x @ a given altitude
100
= Partial pressure of the individual gases
Dalton’s Law (cont.)
Significance
The percentages of oxygen and nitrogen in air remain
constant however their partial pressure will decrease in
direct proportion to the total atmospheric pressure.
(basically there is less oxygen available at higher
altitudes)
environment
Components and functions of Blood (cont.)
White Blood Cells- their main function is to fight infection
and inflammation within the body.
have no hemoglobin
capillaries
Components and functions of Blood (cont.)
Platelets- small irregular shaped bodies that aid in
coagulating the blood and maintaining the circulatory sys.
Produced in bone marrow
differentials
movement is based on the law of gaseous diffusion
Hypemic hypoxia
Stagnant hypoxia
Histotoxic hypoxia
Hypoxia
Hypoxic Hypoxia - insufficient oxygen in the air.
associated with high altitudes
arterial spasm
cyanosis
mental confusion
poor judgment
muscle coordination
seizure
Stages of Hypoxia
Indifferent stage - same as the efficient zone.
sea level to 10,000 ft
hemoglobin is saturated
apparent
increase in blood pressure, respiration and cardiac
output
Stages of Hypoxia
Compensatory stage cont.-
after 10-15 minutes impaired efficiency is obvious
errors in judgment
physical fitness
Treatment
100% oxygen
excitement
pressure breathing
hypoxia
Symptoms:
Tingling sensations
hypoxia)
hot cold sensations
visual impairment
Hyperventilation
Symptoms:
Tingling sensations
muscle spasms (only symptom different from
hypoxia)
hot cold sensations
visual impairment
dizziness
unconsciousness
evolved
Trapped gas dysbarism
During ascent the free gas normally present in body
cavities expands. if the escape of that gas is impeded
than the pressure will build up and eventually cause
pain in the abdomen, ears, sinuses, and teeth.
Boyle’s Law - the volume of gases is inversely
proportionate to the pressure exerted upon it.
Dry gas conditions- under conditions of constant
temperature and increased altitude the volume of gas
expands as the pressure decreases.
Wet gas conditions- gases within the body are
saturated with water vapor. Under constant temperature
and barometric pressure the volume of wet gas is
greater than the volume of the dry gas
Trapped gas dysbarism
Gastrointestinal tract
the stomach and intestine contain gas which expand
toothache
avoid flying following dental restoration when in
need of restoration
occurs between 5,000 and 15,000 ft