A2 Respiratory system Flashcards
Name the organ responsible for gas exchange in humans
Lung
Where in the lungs does gas exchange take place?
Alvelous
Describe the pathway taken by air as it travels to the alveolus
Mouth/nose
Trachea
Bronchus
Bronchiole
Alveolus
Name structure A
Trachea
Which gas diffuses into the blood in the alveoli?
Oxygen
How is the alveolus adapted for its fucntion?
Large surface area
Thin walls - one cell thick
Rich blood supply
Name structure B
Bronchus
Name structure C
Bronchiole
What is the fucntion of the pulmonary surfacant
Lowers the surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse
Describe the process of inspiration
Diaphragm muscle contracts
Diaphragm moves downwards
External Intercoastal muscules contract
Rib cage moves out and up
Increases the volume of the thorax
Decreases the pressure in the thorax
Air moves into the lungs
Describe the process of expiration
Diaphragm relaxes
Diaphargm moves into a domed position
Intercostal muscles relax
Rib cage moves down and in
Volune of thorax decreases
Pressure in thorax increases
Air is forced out of the lungs
What is the function of the pleural membranes?
Surround the lungs and contain pleural fulid
What is the role of the cartilage rings in the trachea
Keeps the trachea open
What is the fucnction of the cilia?
Waft the mucus upwards towards the top of the trachea
Name the cells that produce mucus in the respiraotry system.
Goblet cells
What is the function of the mucus foudn in the respiratory system/
Sticky
Traps pathogen and particles in the air
How thick is the alveolus wall?
One cell thick
Reduces the diffusion pathway
What type of chemcial is the pulmonary surfactant?
Phospholipid
How is a steep concentration gradient maintained at the gas exchange surface?
Lungs continiously ventilated
Ensre high cocntration of oxygen in the alveeolus
Blood contaiing very little oxygen is continuoulsy delivered to the alveolus