B2- The Lungs Flashcards
What is the primary function of the lungs?
To facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide from the blood
This process occurs during breathing.
Where are the lungs located in the body?
In the thorax
The thorax is the upper part of the body, separated from the abdomen by the diaphragm.
What separates the thorax from the lower part of the body?
The diaphragm
What is the structure of the lungs?
They are like big pink sponges protected by the ribcage and surrounded by pleural membranes.
What is the path of air from the environment to the lungs?
Air travels through the trachea, which splits into bronchi
Each bronchus leads to one lung.
What are bronchi?
Tubes that branch from the trachea and lead to each lung
What do bronchioles lead to?
Alveoli
What is the function of alveoli?
To carry out gas exchange in the body
What surrounds the alveoli to facilitate gas exchange?
A network of blood capillaries
What happens to oxygen in the alveoli?
Oxygen diffuses out of the alveolus into the blood
This occurs due to the concentration gradient.
What happens to carbon dioxide in the alveoli?
Carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveolus to be exhaled
What is the process of gas exchange at body cells?
Oxygen diffuses from red blood cells into body cells, while carbon dioxide diffuses from body cells into the blood.
How can you calculate the breathing rate?
Breathing rate = number of breaths ÷ number of minutes
Fill in the blank: Breathing rate is measured in _______.
breaths per minute
True or False: The lungs contain a large number of alveoli.
True
