Chapter 13 - The Respiratory System Flashcards
(195 cards)
Respiratory System Function(s) - Respiration
-gas exchange: supply O2 and eliminate CO2
External Respiration
-entire sequence of events in the exchange of O2 and CO2 between external environment and body cells
Steps on External Respiration
- Breathing (ventilation): movement of air in and out of the lungs between atmosphere and alveoli, regulated according to bodily need for O2 uptake or CO2 removal
- O2 diffusion: O2 diffuses from alveoli into the blood within pulmonary capillaries (CO2 moves in the opposite direction)
- Transport: blood transports O2 from the lungs to tissues and CO2 moves in the opposite direction
- Tissue Exchange: O2 and CO2 exchanged between blood and tissues by diffusion across systemic capillaries
Non-respiratory Respiratory System Functions
-water loss
-heat elimination
-enhancing venous return
-maintain acid-base balance
-vocalization
-defence against foreign matter
-removes substances through pulmonary circulation
-smell
-pressure needed during child birth and defecation
-blood reservoir
Lungs
-two lungs
-divided into several lobes, each supplied by a bronchi
-occupy most of the thoracic cavity
-highly branched airways
-alveoli
-pulmonary blood vessels
-elastic connective tissue
Pharynx
-airway/throat
-common passageway for respiratory and digestive systems
Trachea
-windpipe
Larynx
-voice box
Role of Skeletal Muscles in the Airway
-change the diameter of the larynx and pharynx to prevent aspiration of food into the lungs
-vocalization
-resistance to airflow
Bronchioles
-have no cartilage to hold them open
-walls have smooth muscle innervated by ANS
-sensitive to hormones and local chemicals
Alveoli
-air sacs
-clustered at the ends of terminal bronchioles
-have no muscles to inflate or deflate them (this would interfere with diffusion)
-changes in volume result from dimensional changes in the thoracic cavity (diaphragm, intercostal muscles, abdominal muscles)
Airways
-carry air between atmosphere and alveoli
-begin at nasal passage (nose), pharynx, larynx, trachea (also divides into esophagus)
Preventing Food From Entering Airways
-epiglottis
-skeletal muscle, reflex mechanism closes trachea during swallowing
-esophagus stays closed except during swallowing
-this function originates in the brain stem
Vocal Folds
-two bands of elastic tissue
-lie across larynx opening
-vibrate to produce sounds as air passes them
-also prevent food aspiration
Cartilage Rings
-line trachea and larger bronchioles to ensure airways always remain open
Where does the transition from convection to diffusion occur?
-starts at the respiratory bronchioles
Convection
-requires energy
-produced by muscles that generate flow
Convection Zone
-made up of trachea and larger bronchi
-rigid, non-muscular tubes
-cartilage rings prevent collapse
-no gas exchange occurs here
Diffusion
-doesn’t require energy
Diffusion Zone
-bronchioles
-no cartilage to hold them open
-smooth muscle (ANS) control diameter
Type I Alveolar Cells
-alveolar walls
-single layer of flattened cells
Type II Alveolar Cells
-secrete pulmonary surfactant
Alveolar Macrophages
-guard lumen
-start as a monocyte
-use phagocytosis to guard and clean areas
What mechanisms ensure diffusion is rapid and complete?
-walls of alveoli are only one cell thick
-interstitial space between alveoli and capillaries is super thin
-alveolar surface are is very large