Exam 1: Respiratory System Flashcards
anatomy
morphology; what the body looks like
physiology
functionality; how the body works
primary functions of the respiratory system
- exchange of gases between the atmosphere and the blood
- homeostatic regulation of body pH
- protection from inhaled pathogens and irritating substances
- vocalization
directions in gas exchange
oxygen in, carbon dioxide out
how do the lungs alter pH?
selectively retaining or excreting carbon dioxide
which tissue protects the body from inhaled pathogens and irritating substances?
respiratory epithelium
how does vocalization occur?
vibrations are created by air moving across the vocal cords
pulmonary circulation
process between heart and lungs to reoxygenate the blood
contains 500 mL / ~ 50% of total amounts
bulk flow exchange of air between the atmosphere and the alveoli
inspiration
inhalation; taking in of oxygen
expiration
exhalation; blowing out carbon dioxide
internal (cellular respiration)
exchange of gases between blood and cells (oxygen in, carbon dioxide out)
role of airways
- warming air to body temperature
2 . adding water vapor until air reaches 100% humidity
- filtering out foreign material
why is it important to condition air before it enters the body
- protects alveoli from cold temperatures
- prevents exchange epithelium from drying out
- removes viruses, bacteria, and inorganic particles before they reach the alveoli
which cells secrete the mucus layer?
goblet cells
how is mucus moved?
underlying cilia create an upward motion toward the pharynx
mucus that reaches this point is swallowed
why is mucus important?
mucus contains immunoglobulins (antibodies) that disable pathogens
why does cilia not stick to mucus?
a fluid layer lies between mucus and cilia
saline secretion by the airway epithelium
- NKCC brings Cl- into epithelial cell from ECF
- apical anion channels, including CFTR, allow Cl- to enter the lumen
- Na+ goes from ECF to lumen by the paracellular pathway, drawn by the electrochemical gradient
- NaCl movement from ECF to lumen creates a concentration gradient so water follows into the lumen
upper respiratory system components
neck and above
nasal cavity, tongue, pharynx, vocal cords, esophagus, larynx
lower respiratory system components
neck and below
bronchi, alveoli, lungs, thorax (chest cavity)
how does the velocity of air across different size of lung branches change?
air becomes slower at smaller diameters (thinner branches)
types of alveolar cells
type I alveolar epithelium
type II alveolar epithelium
alveolar macrophage (dust cell)
type I alveolar epithelium
thin squamous cell
occupies 95% of the alveolar surface
function: rapid gas exchange
which alveolar cell covers the majority of its surface?
type I alveolar epithelium
covers 95% of the alveolar surface
type II alveolar epithelium
function: produces pulmonary surfactant
decreases surface tension in the alveoli
helps to expand lungs during breathing