Final answer:
The major impedance to lung flow during CPR is airway resistance and lung stiffness, impacting the movement of gases and lung pliability, which can be mitigated by effective chest compressions during the procedure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major impedance to flow to the lungs during CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is airway resistance coupled with potential stiffness of the lungs. During CPR, airway resistance is impacted by the size of the airway, with a smaller airway diameter increasing resistance due to more collisions of air molecules with airway walls. Additionally, lung stiffness, or reduced lung pliability, presents impedance to airflow.
These factors can be represented by the formula F = AP/R, where F is the flow of gases, AP is the pressure change, and R is the resistance. Properly performed CPR involves chest compressions that alleviate these impedances by increasing the pressure gradient to drive blood and air flow despite these resistances.