Ch 14 Breathing and exchange of gas Flashcards
How does the mechanism of breathing vary among animals?
The mechanism of breathing varies based on their habitats and levels of organization.
How do lower invertebrates like sponges, coelenterates and flatworms respire?
They exchange oxygen (O₂) with carbon dioxide (CO₂) by simple diffusion over their entire body surface.
What structure do earthworms use for respiration?
Moist cuticle
How do insects transport atmospheric air within their bodies?
Insects use a network of tubes called tracheal tubes for respiration.
What are gills and which organisms use them?
Gills are vascularized structures used for branchial respiration, mainly by aquatic arthropods and molluscs.
What is pulmonary respiration, and who uses it?
Pulmonary respiration involves vascularised bags called lungs, used by terrestrial animals like reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Which vertebrates use gills for respiration?
Fishes use gills for respiration.
How do amphibians like frogs respire?
Frogs respire through their moist skin (cutaneous respiration)
What type of respiration is observed in terrestrial vertebrates?
Terrestrial vertebrates primarily respire through lungs.
What are the external openings of the human respiratory system called?
The external openings are called nostrils, located above the upper lips.
What is the function of the nasal chamber?
The nasal
chamber opens into the pharynx, a portion of which is the common
passage for food and air.
What is the pharynx, and what is its role?
The pharynx is a common passage for food and air.
What is the larynx, and why is it called the “sound box”?
The larynx is a cartilaginous box responsible for sound production, earning it the name “sound box.”
What prevents food from entering the larynx during swallowing?
The epiglottis, a thin elastic cartilaginous flap, covers the glottis to prevent food entry.
What is the trachea, and where does it divide?
The trachea is a straight tube extending to the mid-thoracic cavity and divides into the right and left primary bronchi at the 5th thoracic vertebra.
How are bronchi further subdivided?
Primary bronchi divide into secondary and tertiary bronchi, which further branch into bronchioles and terminal bronchioles.
What supports the trachea and bronchi?
Incomplete cartilaginous rings support the trachea, primary, secondary, and tertiary bronchi, and initial bronchioles.
What are alveoli?
Alveoli are thin, irregular-walled, vascularized bag-like structures where gas exchange occurs.
What is the double-layered membrane covering the lungs called?
It is called the pleura, with pleural fluid between the layers to reduce friction on the lung surface.
What is the difference between the conducting and respiratory parts of the respiratory system? (PYQ 2022)
The conducting part (from external nostrils to terminal bronchioles)
1. Transports the atmospheric air to the alveoli
2. Clears it from foreign particles
3. Humidifies
4. Brings the air to body temperature.
Exchange part is the site of actual diffusion of O2 and CO2
between blood and atmospheric air.
What constitutes the thoracic chamber?
The thoracic chamber is formed dorsally by the vertebral column, ventrally by the sternum, laterally by the ribs, and on the lower side by the dome-shaped diaphragm.
Why is the thoracic chamber’s air-tight nature important?
It allows changes in thoracic volume to be reflected in lung volume, essential for breathing.
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What are the main steps involved in respiration?
- Breathing or pulmonary ventilation by which atmospheric air is drawn in and CO2 rich alveolar air is released out.
- Diffusion of gases (O2 and CO2 ) across the alveolar membrane.
- Transport of gases by the blood.
- Diffusion of O2 and CO2 between blood and tissues.
- Utilization of O2 by the cells for catabolic reactions and resultant release of CO2 (cellular respiration as dealt in the Chapter 12).
What is the role of the epiglottis?
The epiglottis prevents food from entering the larynx during swallowing by covering the glottis.
How does the respiratory system ensure that the air is clean, humidified, and at body temperature?
The conducting part
- Transports the atmospheric air to the alveoli
- Clears it from foreign particles
- Humidifies
- Brings the air to body temperature.
What is the significance of the incomplete cartilaginous rings in the trachea and bronchi?
These rings provide structural support, preventing the airway from collapsing while allowing flexibility.
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How many alveoli are present in the human lungs, and what is their purpose?
There are millions of alveoli in the human lungs, and their primary purpose is to facilitate gas exchange between the air and the blood.
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What is pleural fluid, and what is its function?
Pleural fluid is the liquid present between the two layers of the pleura. It reduces friction on the lung surface during breathing movements.
Why can changes in thoracic cavity volume directly affect pulmonary volume?
The lungs are anatomically linked to the thoracic cavity, making any volume change in the thoracic cavity directly reflect in the pulmonary volume, aiding in breathing.
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How does the diaphragm contribute to respiration?
The diaphragm contracts and flattens during inhalation to increase thoracic volume, drawing air into the lungs, and relaxes during exhalation to expel air.
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What is the glottis, and where is it located?
The glottis is the opening of the larynx through which air passes into the trachea.
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How does the respiratory system interact with the circulatory system?
The respiratory system facilitates gas exchange in the alveoli, where oxygen enters the blood, and carbon dioxide is removed, transported to and from tissues by the circulatory system.
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What structural adaptations in the alveoli make them efficient for gas exchange?
Alveoli are thin-walled, highly vascularized, and provide a large surface area, making them ideal for efficient gas exchange.
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What is the primary role of the conducting part of the respiratory system?
The conducting part
- Transports the atmospheric air to the alveoli,
- Clears it from foreign particles
- Humidifies
- Brings the air to body temperature.
Why is it necessary to have an airtight thoracic chamber for respiration?
An airtight thoracic chamber ensures proper pressure changes required to facilitate lung expansion and contraction during breathing.
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What is pulmonary ventilation, and why is it important?
Pulmonary ventilation is the process of drawing in atmospheric air and releasing CO2-rich alveolar air, essential for oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal.
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What is cellular respiration, and how is it connected to the respiratory system?
Cellular respiration is the process where cells use oxygen to break down nutrients for energy, producing carbon dioxide as a by-product, which is expelled via the respiratory system.
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Which bones form the boundaries of the thoracic chamber?
The thoracic chamber is formed dorsally by the vertebral column, ventrally by the sternum, laterally by the ribs, and on the lower side by the diaphragm.
What is the significance of the exchange part of the respiratory system?
The exchange part, consisting of alveoli and ducts, is where actual diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and atmospheric air occurs.
What are the two stages of breathing?
The two stages of breathing are inspiration, during which atmospheric air is drawn into the lungs, and expiration, during which alveolar air is expelled.
How is the movement of air into and out of the lungs achieved?
The movement of air is achieved by creating a pressure gradient between the lungs and the atmosphere.
What conditions are necessary for inspiration to occur?
Inspiration occurs when the intra-pulmonary pressure is less than atmospheric pressure, creating a negative pressure gradient.
What causes expiration?
Expiration occurs when the intra-pulmonary pressure is higher than atmospheric pressure, forcing air out of the lungs.
Which muscles are involved in creating the pressure gradient for breathing?
The diaphragm and a specialized set of muscles called external and internal intercostal muscles are involved.
What is the role of external intercostal muscles during inspiration?
The external intercostal muscles contract, lifting the ribs and sternum, which increases the thoracic volume in the dorso-ventral axis.
How does an increase in thoracic volume affect pulmonary pressure?
An increase in thoracic volume leads to an increase in pulmonary volume, which decreases intra-pulmonary pressure, allowing air to enter the lungs.
What happens during expiration?
During expiration, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax,
reducing thoracic and pulmonary volume, increasing intra-pulmonary pressure, and expelling air.
How can the strength of breathing be increased?
The strength of breathing can be increased using additional muscles in the abdomen.
What is the average breathing rate for a healthy human?
A healthy human breathes 12-16 times per minute on average.
What instrument is used to measure the volume of air involved in breathing movements?
A spirometer is used to measure the volume of air involved in breathing movements.
What is the clinical significance of a spirometer?
A spirometer is used for the clinical assessment of pulmonary functions.
What happens to the diaphragm and sternum during expiration?
During expiration, the diaphragm and sternum return to their normal positions, reducing thoracic and pulmonary volume.
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Why is it essential to maintain a pressure gradient between the lungs and the atmosphere?
Maintaining a pressure gradient is essential to facilitate the movement of air into and out of the lungs during breathing.
What determines the direction of air movement during breathing?
The direction of air movement is determined by the pressure gradient between the lungs and the atmosphere.
How does pulmonary volume affect intra-pulmonary pressure?
An increase in pulmonary volume decreases intra-pulmonary pressure, while a decrease in pulmonary volume increases intra-pulmonary pressure.
What causes the ribs and sternum to lift during inspiration?
The contraction of the external intercostal muscles causes the ribs and sternum to lift during inspiration.
What role does the abdominal muscles play in breathing?
The abdominal muscles assist in strengthening both inspiration and expiration when needed.
How does the diaphragm’s movement affect thoracic volume?
Contraction of the diaphragm increases thoracic volume, and relaxation decreases it.
What happens if there is no pressure gradient between the lungs and the atmosphere?
Without a pressure gradient, there will be no movement of air into or out of the lungs.
Why is the ability to strengthen inspiration and expiration important?
Strengthening inspiration and expiration is important during physical exertion or when increased oxygen intake is required.
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How does the body ensure air is drawn into the lungs during inspiration?
The body creates a negative pressure in the lungs relative to atmospheric pressure to draw air into the lungs.
What prevents air from entering the lungs during expiration?
During expiration, intra-pulmonary pressure becomes higher than atmospheric pressure, preventing air from entering and forcing it out instead.
What is the role of intercostal muscles in expiration?
Relaxation of the intercostal muscles during expiration reduces thoracic volume, aiding in the expulsion of air.
What happens to alveolar air during expiration?
During expiration, alveolar air, rich in CO2, is expelled from the lungs.
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Why is the thoracic chamber described as air-tight?
The thoracic chamber is air-tight to ensure changes in its volume directly affect pulmonary volume, which is necessary for breathing.
How does the body regulate pulmonary volume during breathing?
Pulmonary volume is regulated through the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
What would happen if the diaphragm failed to contract?
If the diaphragm failed to contract, inspiration would not occur efficiently, leading to reduced air intake into the lungs.
Can breathing rates vary, and if so, why?
Yes, breathing rates can vary depending on factors like physical activity, emotional state, and health conditions.
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How does the spirometer aid in assessing lung health?
The spirometer measures the volume of air during breathing movements, helping in the diagnosis and monitoring of pulmonary diseases.
What is intra-pulmonary pressure?
Intra-pulmonary pressure is the pressure within the lungs that changes during breathing to facilitate air movement.
Why is the diaphragm dome-shaped during relaxation?
The diaphragm assumes a dome shape during relaxation to reduce thoracic volume, aiding in expiration.
What is the significance of thoracic volume changes?
Changes in thoracic volume are essential for creating the pressure gradients that drive air movement in and out of the lungs.
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What is Tidal Volume (TV)?
Tidal Volume (TV) is the volume of air inspired or expired during normal respiration, approximately 500 mL.
How much air can a healthy man inspire or expire per minute during normal respiration?
A healthy man can inspire or expire approximately 6000 to 8000 mL of air per minute during normal respiration.
What is Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)?
Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) is the additional volume of air a person can inspire by forcible inspiration, averaging 2500 to 3000 mL.
Define Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV).
Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) is the additional volume of air a person can expire by forcible expiration, averaging 1000 to 1100 mL.
What is Residual Volume (RV)?
Residual Volume (RV) is the volume of air remaining in the lungs even after forcible expiration, averaging 1100 to 1200 mL.
How is Inspiratory Capacity (IC) calculated?
Inspiratory Capacity (IC) is calculated as the total volume of air a person can inspire after a normal expiration, which includes Tidal Volume (TV) and Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV).
What does Expiratory Capacity (EC) include?
Expiratory Capacity (EC) includes the total volume of air a person can expire after a normal inspiration, consisting of Tidal Volume (TV) and Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV).
What is Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)?
Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) is the volume of air that remains in the lungs after a normal expiration, which includes Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) and Residual Volume (RV).
Define Vital Capacity (VC).
Vital Capacity (VC) is the maximum volume of air a person can breathe in after a forced expiration, or the maximum volume of air a person can breathe out after a forced inspiration. It includes ERV, TV, and IRV.
What constitutes Total Lung Capacity (TLC)?
Total Lung Capacity (TLC) is the total volume of air accommodated in the lungs at the end of a forced inspiration. It includes Residual Volume (RV), Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV), Tidal Volume (TV), and Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) or Vital Capacity (VC) plus Residual Volume (RV).
Why are respiratory volumes and capacities important in clinical diagnosis?
Respiratory volumes and capacities are important in clinical diagnosis as they help assess pulmonary function and identify any abnormalities in respiratory health.
What is the average volume of air involved in Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)?
The average volume of air in Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) is 2500 to 3000 mL.