19. Properties of liquids, gases, and vapors
Recommended Citation
Aquino B. Properties of Liquids, Gases, and Vapors. In: Abd-Elsayed A, Abd-Elsayed A, eds. Basic Anesthesia Review. Oxford University Press; 2024:54-55.
Abstract
The basic properties of liquids, gases, and vapors are important for the anesthesiologist, because they relate to the processing and delivery of anesthetic gas, as well as the movement of these drugs once they enter the body and exert their effects. Every substance has a critical temperature (above which the substance is only a gas) and a critical pressure (above which the substance is only a liquid). At physiologic conditions volatile anesthetic gases are well below both of these, and as a result, they can exist in both liquid and gas (vapor) form. The anesthetic vaporizer works on the volatile anesthetic in between the liquid and vapor phases and delivers gas to the patient in a consistent and safe way. Once the gas enters the respiratory system and is absorbed, it does so by diffusion and bulk flow. At this point it dissolves to varying degrees in various compartments in the body, including blood, fat, and air. Its solubility in each of these compartments affects its pharmacokinetics and determines its distribution within the body.
Document Type
Book Chapter
Book Chapter/Book Details
In: Abd-Elsayed A, Abd-Elsayed A, eds. Basic Anesthesia Review. Oxford University Press; 2024.