FUNCTIONS OF VAROUS STRUCTURES

Question 1

Nose-

Answer 1

air enters body through nostrils, contains many blood vessels close to the surface causing it to be warm, warms and moistens air, lining produces mucus which traps dust and bacteria, contain cilia which waft mucus to throat away from lungs.

Question 2

Pharynx-

Answer 2

allows air to pass from nose to trachea, also transports food from mouth to oesophagus.

Question 3

Epiglottis-

Answer 3

Small flap of tissue which blocks opening of glottis when food is being swallowed, opens to allow air to enter the glottis (opening at top of trachea)

Question 4

Trachea-

Answer 4

long tube which allows air to enter the lungs when breathing in, C shaped rings of cartilage keep the trachea open to allow unobstructed movement of air.

Question 5

Pleural membranes-

Answer 5

secrete pleural fluid which lubricates lungs, reducing friction when lungs expand and contract

Question 6

Diaphragm-

Answer 6

dome shaped membrane, lungs rest on this
membrane, its shape is altered during breathing

Question 7

Ribcage-

Answer 7

Protect the lungs and other organs within the chest cavity

Question 8

Intercostal muscles- internal and external

Answer 8

internal and external intercostal muscles are found in pairs between ribs, antagonistic (when one contracts the other relaxes), bring about movement of ribcage needed for breathing.