1.5 Part B - Respiratory System Flashcards
What is cellular respiration?
The aerobic breakdown of glucose in the mitochondria to make ATP.
What does the respiratory system consist of?
The organs that exchange gases with the environment.
What is respiration commonly used to mean?
Breathing.
What are alveoli?
They are tiny air sacs in the respiratory system that serve as exchange surfaces for gas exchange.
How does gas exchange occur in the alveoli?
Through diffusion.
What is the function of the trachea?
Allows air to pass into/out of the bronchi.
What is the role of the right and left bronchus?
Allow air to pass into/out of each lung.
What do bronchioles do?
Allow air to pass into/out of alveoli.
What movements are involved in ventilation?
Movement of the rib cage and diaphragm.
What happens during inhalation?
Air is drawn into the lungs when lung pressure is lower than outside pressure.
What is the diaphragm?
A large sheet of muscle that arches underneath the lungs.
True or False: The diaphragm is pulled downwards during inhalation.
True.
What is the average lung capacity during breathing?
Four litres of air.
What is the average breathing rate for a person in one minute?
About 16 times.
What does the brain monitor to control breathing rate?
The level of carbon dioxide in the blood.
What are the gas exchange mechanisms for fish?
Gills.
What are the gas exchange mechanisms for frogs?
Skin.
What are the gas exchange mechanisms for humans and mammals?
Lungs.
What is the functional unit of the lungs?
Alveoli.
What is the role of surfactant in the alveoli?
Prevents alveolar walls from collapsing and sticking together.
How are alveoli structured to maximize gas exchange?
They are arranged in clusters that maximize surface area.
What happens to oxygen in the alveoli during gas exchange?
It diffuses out of the alveoli into the red blood cells.
What happens to carbon dioxide during exhalation?
It diffuses out of the blood plasma into the alveoli.
What is asthma?
Bronchioles constrict due to irritants, allergies, or stress.
What is emphysema?
Breakdown of delicate and thin alveolus walls, limiting diffusion rate.
What is pneumonia?
Acute bacterial or viral infection causing inflammation of the alveoli.
True or False: Carbon monoxide is 200 times more strongly attracted to hemoglobin than oxygen.
True.
What harmful substances does smoking introduce to the lungs?
Carbon dioxide and carcinogenic chemicals.
What can smoking lead to besides cancer?
Emphysema.
What is a risk of both active and passive smoking?
Lung problems.
