Compendium 4 Flashcards
Functions of the respiratory system?
1) Respiration
• Ventilation – Movement of air in and out of lungs
• External respiration - Gas exchange between lungs blood
• Transport of respiratory gases
• Internal respiration – Gas exchange between
blood tissues
(2) Regulation of blood pH
(3) Voice production
(4) Smell (olfaction)
(5) Protection
Function of nasal cavity?
Passageway for air • Cleans the air • Humidifies and warms the air • via warm blood flowing through nasal cavity • via moisture from mucous epithelium and excess tears which drain into nasal cavity • Olfaction (or smell) • Sound of your voice
Functions of the laryxn:?
Functions of the larynx
• Maintains an open passageway for air movement
• Directs food into the oesophagus away from respiratory tract
• Sound production via vocal folds
• Trap debris from entering lungs
What is the respiratory zone?
Everything in the lungs
Factors effecting gas exchange through the respiratory membrane?
Thickness of the respiratory membrane
• Thicker membrane reduces the rate of movement of gas
2. Surface area
• Lower surface area reduces volume of gas exchange taking place
3. Diffusion coefficient
• Diffusion coefficient – how easily a gas can diffuse in and out of a liquid or
tissue
• A relative number
4. Partial pressure - pressure exerted by each gas in a mixture of gases
• When the partial pressure (Pp) of a gas is greater on one side of the
respiratory membrane compared to the other side, the gas moves towards
from the side with the higher Pp to the side with the lower Pp
Explain the process of inspiration?
Inspiration • LUNGS: volume increases as it fill with air • DIAPHRAGM: moves inferiorly and flattens • RIB CAGE: elevated • STERNUM: elevated • INTERCOSTAL MUSCLES: contract
explain expiration?
Expiration • LUNGS: volume decreases as air leaves • DIAPHRAGM: moves superiorly as it relaxes into its dome-shape • RIB CAGE: depresses • STERNUM: depresses • INTERCOSTAL MUSCLES: relax
