1.2: The Respiratory System Flashcards
1
Q
What is respiration?
A
- ventilation - getting air into/out the lungs.
- external respiration - gaseous exchange between the lungs and blood
- transport of gases
- internal respiration - exchange of gases between the blood in capillaries and the body cells
- cellular respiration: the metabolic reactions and process that take place on a cell to obtain energy from fuels such as glucose.
2
Q
Pathway of air?
A
- in through nose and mouth
- pharynx
- larynx
- trachea
- bronchi
- bronchioles
- alveoli
3
Q
What are the alveoli?
A
- responsible for the exchange of gases between the lungs and the blood. This occurs via diffusion.
4
Q
Diffusion definition:
A
- the movement of gas molecules from an area of high concentration or partial pressure to an area of low concentration or partial pressure.
5
Q
What is the structure of alveoli?
A
- designed to help gaseous exchange
- walls are very thin (one cell think) meaning there is a short diffusion pathway. There are only two layers of cells from the air in the alveoli to the blood.
- an extensive capillary network surrounds the alveoli: good blood supply
- large surface area: due to the amount of alveoli in each lung, which allows for a greater uptake or oxygen.
6
Q
What is gaseous exchange?
A
- the movement of oxygen form the air into the blood, and carbon dioxide from the blood into the air.
7
Q
What is the method of inspiration?
A
- the intercostal muscles contract and pull the rib cage up and out.
- the diaphragm contracts causing it to flatten.
- the thoracic (chest) cavity gets larger causing pressure in the lungs to decrease.
- air moves into the lungs from the higher outside pressure
8
Q
What muscles are used during breathing at rest - inspiration?
A
- diaphragm
- external intercostals
9
Q
What muscles are used during exercise - inspiration?
A
- diaphragm
- external intercostals
- sternocleidomastoid
- scalenes
- pectoralis minor
10
Q
what is the method of expiration?
A
- the intercostal muscles relax and so the rib cage falls down and in.
- the diaphragm relaxes pushing it up into a dome-shape.
- the thoracic (chest) cavity gets smaller and so pressure in the lungs increases.
- air flows out of the lungs.
11
Q
What are the muscles used during breathing at rest - expiration?
A
- passive: diaphragm and external intercostals just relax.
12
Q
What muscles are used during exercise - expiration?
A
- internal intercostals
- abdominals
13
Q
What is tidal volume?
A
- the volume of air breathed in or out per breath
- increases during exercise
14
Q
What is minute ventilation?
A
- the volume of air inspired or expired per minute.
- number of breaths (per min) x tidal volume = minute ventilation
- big increase during exercise
- the more demanding the physical activity is, the more breathing increases to meet the extra oxygen demand.
15
Q
What is the inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)?
A
- the volume of air that can be forcibly inspired after a normal breath.
- decreases during exercise