Biology: Chapter 6: The Respiratory System Flashcards
what is the pathway of air starting from the nose
Nares –> Pharynx –> larynx –> trachea –> bronchi –> bronchioles –> Alveoli
what are the vibrissae
nasal hairs in the naval cavity that help filter the air
what are the alveoli
small sacs that interface with the pulmonary capillaries allowing gases to diffuse across a one cell thick membrane
what is the surfactant
in the alveoli to reduce surface tension at the liquid gas interface to prevent collapse
what is the visceral pleura
lies adjacent to the lung itself
what is the parietal pleura
lines the chest wall
what is the intrapleural space
lies between the two layers and contains a thin layer of fluid that lubricates two pleural surfaces
what is the diaphram
thin skeletal muscle that helps to create pressure differential required for breathing
Explain Inhalation
Active process where the diaphram and external intercostal muscles expand the thoracic cavity increasing the volume and decreasing pressure drawing in air from the environment
Explain Exhalation
Passive process where the diaphram and external intercostal muscles relax allow chest to decrease volume (increase pressure); active exhalation includes contraction of internal intercostal and abdominal muscles to forcibly decrease volume
what is a spirometer
measures lung capacities and volumes
what is TLC
total lung capacity; max volume of air in lungs when one inhales completely
what is RV
residual volume; volume of air remaining in lungs after one exhales
what is VC
vital capacity; difference between minimum and maximum volume of air in the lungs
what is TV
tidal volume; volume of air inhaled or exhaled in a normal breath
what is ERV
expiratory reserve volume; volume of additional air that can be exhaled after a normal breath
what is IRV
inspiratory reserve volume; volume of additional air that can be inhaled after a normal breath
what composes the ventilation center
collection of neurons in medulla oblongata (chemoreceptors; baroreceptors) + cerebrum
what are chemoreceptors
respond to carbon dioxide levels in the blood and change respiratory rate accordingly
what happens when there is a high concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood
hyperventilation
What are the pulmonary arties
carry deoxygenated blood high in carbon dioxide to the lungs
what are the pulmonary veins
carry oxygenated blood low in carbon dioxide from the lungs
How does the alveoli assist in thermoregulation
large surface area between alveoli and capillaries allows vasodilation and vasoconstriction of capillary beds
What protects the respiratory system from pathogens
vibrissae, muscous membranes, mucociliary escalator, lysozyme, macrophages, IgA antibodies, mast cells
what are lysozymes
enzymes in the nasal cavity and saliva attacks peptidoglycan
what are macrophages
cells that engulf and ingest pathogens and signal the rest of the immune system
what are mast cells
have antibodies on surface that promote the release of inflammatory chemicals; associated with allergies
how does the respiratory system control body pH
bicarbonate buffer system
what happens when blood pH is low
respiration rate increases (decrease CO2) causing a shift to the left in the bicarbonate equation (decreases H ions) raising the pH
what happens when blood pH is high
respiration rate decreases (increases CO2) causing a rightward shift (increases H ions) lowering the pH
what is the bicarbonate equation
CO2 + H2O –> H2CO3 –> H + HCO3-
