11. Gas exchange in humans Flashcards
What are the main organs in the respiratory system?
The lungs
The lungs contain the surfaces where gas exchange takes place.
What role do intercostal muscles play in breathing?
They work antagonistically in pairs to expand and contract the rib cage
Internal and external intercostal muscles are found between the ribs.
What is the function of the ribs?
They protect the lungs and heart from physical damage.
What does the larynx contain?
Vocal cords.
What connects the throat to the bronchi?
Trachea.
What structural feature is present in the trachea to keep it open?
C-shaped cartilage rings.
What is the primary function of the bronchi?
To carry air from the trachea to the lungs.
What happens to the bronchi in the lungs?
They split into two tubes to enter the left and right lung, and then branch further inside the lungs.
What are bronchioles?
Smaller tubes that branch off from the bronchi in the lungs.
Where does gas exchange occur?
In the alveoli.
What do alveoli comprise?
Tiny air sacs with a capillary network.
What diffuses into the capillaries from the air in the alveoli?
Oxygen.
What diffuses out of the capillaries in the alveoli?
Waste carbon dioxide.
Fill in the blank: The _______ are smaller tubes which branch off from the bronchi in the lungs.
bronchioles.
True or False: The trachea is a solid tube without any structural support.
False.
What is the primary function of the respiratory system in humans?
To facilitate gas exchange, specifically the intake of oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide.
True or False: Gas exchange occurs in the bronchi.
False
What are the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs called?
Alveoli
Fill in the blank: The process of taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide is called __________.
Respiration
What is the role of hemoglobin in gas exchange?
Hemoglobin binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it to the body’s tissues.
Which gas is primarily exchanged for oxygen in the alveoli?
Carbon dioxide
Multiple Choice: Which structure is NOT part of the respiratory system? A) Trachea B) Alveoli C) Esophagus D) Bronchi
C) Esophagus
What is the term for the movement of air into and out of the lungs?
Ventilation
True or False: Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood due to higher concentration in the alveoli.
True
What is the diaphragm’s role in breathing?
The diaphragm contracts and relaxes to change the volume of the thoracic cavity, facilitating inhalation and exhalation.
Fill in the blank: The exchange of gases between the blood and body tissues is known as __________.
Internal respiration
What is the main purpose of the nasal cavity in the respiratory system?
To filter, warm, and humidify the air before it enters the lungs.
Which part of the brain regulates breathing rate?
Medulla oblongata
True or False: The lungs are responsible for producing sound during speech.
False
What is the effect of carbon dioxide levels on breathing rate?
Increased carbon dioxide levels stimulate an increase in breathing rate.
Multiple Choice: Which gas has a higher concentration in the atmosphere compared to the blood? A) Oxygen B) Carbon dioxide C) Nitrogen D) All of the above
A) Oxygen
What are the two main types of respiration?
Aerobic and anaerobic respiration
Fill in the blank: The respiratory surface in humans is made up of __________.
Alveolar epithelium
What is the significance of the large surface area of the alveoli?
It allows for more efficient gas exchange.
True or False: The thoracic cavity expands during exhalation.
False
What is the primary waste product of aerobic respiration that is removed by the lungs?
Carbon dioxide
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a mechanism of gas exchange? A) Diffusion B) Osmosis C) Filtration D) Evaporation
A) Diffusion
What can cause a decrease in the efficiency of gas exchange?
Conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, or pulmonary edema.
Fill in the blank: The process of gas exchange in the alveoli is driven by the difference in __________.
Partial pressures of the gases
What structure connects the throat to the lungs?
Trachea
True or False: The oxygen we inhale is used directly by our cells.
False
What are the main muscles involved in breathing?
Diaphragm and intercostal muscles
Multiple Choice: During inhalation, the diaphragm __________. A) Relaxes B) Contracts C) Expands D) None of the above
B) Contracts
What is the primary function of the alveolar-capillary membrane?
To facilitate the exchange of gases between the alveoli and the blood.
Fill in the blank: The respiratory system works closely with the __________ system to supply oxygen to the body.
Circulatory
True or False: Gas exchange occurs in the bronchioles.
False
What is the main gas transported by red blood cells?
Oxygen
