Animal Respiratory System Flashcards
1
Q
what is Boyle’s law?
A
- pressure of gas varies inversely with volume
- (as P up V down, or P1V1 = P2V2)
2
Q
How do inhalation and exhalation work?
A
Inhalation
- the diaphragm contracts (moves downwards), which expands the chest cavity. Because volume increases, pressure decreases and air rushes in to fill the space
- shallow breathing fills only the tops of the lungs; deep breathing fills them fully
Exhalation
- the diaphragm releases (moves back upwards), decreasing the chest cavity and the volume, which raises pressure and pushes air out
3
Q
Characteristics of alveoli (traits that help w diffusion)
A
- Spherical shape = large surface area
- capillary bed surrounds the alveoli so gasses don’t have to diffuse far
- the lining of an alveolus is one cell thick, making diffusion incredibly easy (remember that capillaries are also one cell thick)
- the moist lining of the alveoli makes diffusion easier as well
4
Q
gas exchange process
A
- air moves in and out of an alveolus
- blood low in oxygen and high in CO2 moves through the capillary bed
- when this blood meets an alveolus, oxygen diffuses into the blood through the alveolus and CO2 into the alveolus
5
Q
What are the 4 important structural features in a mammalian respiratory system?
A
- a thin permeable respiratory membrane through which diffusion can occur
- a large surface area for gas exchange
- a good supply of blood
- a breathing system for bringing oxygen-rich air to the respiratory membrane