Breathing and Gas Exchange Flashcards
Describe the Ribs
These are bone structures used to protect the lungs
Describe the Intercostal Muscles
These are muscles situated between the ribs and are used to control the movement of the ribs during inhalation and exhalation
Describe the Diaphragm
This is a series of connective tissue and muscles that are situated on the bottom of the thorax and is used to change the volume of the thorax during inhalation and exhalation.
Describe the Trachea
This is a windpipe that connects the mouth and Nose to the lungs
Describe the Bronchi
2 Large tubes that divide the trachea into 2 and one goes to each lung.
Describe the Bronchioles
The Bronchi Split and form Bronchioles that are smaller tubes and are connected to alveoli at the end.
Describe the Alveoli
This are tiny air sacs that are situated at the end of the Bronchioles and are used in gas exchange.
Describe the Pleural Membrane
These stick the outside of the lungs to the chest cavity so that the lungs simultaneously follow chest movement and they are also used to reduce the friction by lubricating the lungs.
How do external Intercostal muscles and Diaphragm play a role in inhalation
During inhalation, the external intercoastal muscles contract and raise the ribs up and the diaphragm contracts and flattens. This increases the cheat volume and air will move into the lungs.
How do external Intercostal muscles and the diaphragm play a role in exhalation
During exhalation, the external intercostal muscles relax and the internal intercostal muscles contract pushing the ribs downwards. The diaphragm also relaxes and goes back to its Dome shape. This increases the pressure inside the lungs and forces the air to go out of the lungs.
How are Alveoli adapted for Gas Exchange
- They have a large surface area due to the bumps on the surface, allowing them to have a fast diffusion rate.
- They also have walls that are 1 cell thick. This reduces the diffusion distance, which increases the rate of diffusion.
- They have a moist surface so that the gases can dissolve in it, which increases the diffusion rate .
- They have a good blood supply, ensuring that it maintains a high concentration gradient, which increases the rate of diffusion.
What are the chemicals in Cigarettes.
- Tar
- Nicotine
- Carbon Monoxide
What are the effects of Smoking
- Bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Lung Cancer
- Heart Attack
- Strokes
How does smoking affect the air passages
The smoke in cigarettes can damage the cilia cells in the air passages that are designed to carry away the Mucus, which contains the dust or the pathogens, away from the lungs. When the Cilia cells are no longer there, there will be a mucus build-up in the air passages, causing the bronchi to become irritated and clogged up.
How does smoking affect the Alveoli
smoking damges the walls of the Alveoli, causing them to break down and fuse together. This greatly reduces the surface area there is for diffusion, making the process more inefficient, which reduces the amount of oxygen there is in the body.
