5.1 - Structure and Function of Respiratory System Flashcards
What are the main functions of the respiratory system?
- exchange of gases between atmosphere and blood
- homeostatic regulation of body pH
- Protection from inhaled pathogens and irritating substances
- Vocalization
The process of gas exchange between the atmosphere and the lungs is called? What are its parts?
ventilation or breathing
- inspiration/inhalation: air moves into lungs
- expiration/exhalation: air moves out of lungs
Where does gas exchange take place?
- from lungs to blood
- from blood to cells
- from cells back to blood
- from blood to lungs
What are the 3 structures involved in both ventilation and gas exchange?
conducting system
- airways
exchange surface
- alveoli
pumping system
- bones and muscles of thorax
What is the span of the conducting system or airways?
from the external environment to the exchange surface of the lungs (alveolar interface)
What are the 2 divisions of the respiratory system and their components?
upper respiratory tract
- mouth, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx
lower respiratory tract
- trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, lungs
On the external view, the right lung is divided into __ lobes, and the left lung is divided into __ lobes
right lung: 3 lobes
left lung: 2 lobes
The trachea branches into __ bronchi, which further divides __ times, terminating into ____
2 bronchi
divides 22 more times
terminates into cluster of alveoli
What are the sites of gas exchange?
the alveoli
What are alveoli? Where are they found?
tiny hollow sacs found at the ends of the terminal bronchiole
How does gas exchange occur between alveoli and capillary?
by diffusion
What makes up the majority of the alveolar surface?
an extensive capillary network covers 80-90% of the alveolar surface
List and define the types of alveoli cells:
type 1 alveolar cells
- large but thin
- rapid gas diffusion
type 2 alveolar cells
- smaller but thicker
- synthesize and secrete surfactants
What do surfactants do?
disrupt cohesive forces that hold water together to prevent lungs from collapsing
Blood vessels of the _______ circulation allow for exchange with alveoli
pulmonary circulation
