Gaseous Exchange

Question 1

What is breathing?

Answer 1

Breathing is a mechanical process moving air in & out of the lungs.

Question 2

Define gaseous exchange.

Answer 2

Gaseous exchange is the movement of gases across a respiratory surface.

Question 3

What is cellular respiration?

Answer 3

Cellular respiration is the release of energy from food when it is broken down in the mitochondria.

Question 4

What is the role of oxygen in respiration?

Answer 4

Oxygen is needed for the oxidation of food to produce energy during respiration.

Question 5

What happens to carbon dioxide during respiration?

Answer 5

Carbon dioxide is released during respiration and must be eliminated from the body.

Question 6

How does carbon dioxide affect body pH?

Answer 6

Carbon dioxide becomes carbonic acid when mixed with water, lowering the body’s pH.

Question 7

List the requirements of a gaseous exchange surface.

Answer 7

• Large surface area
• Thin surface
• Moist surface
• Adequate ventilation
• Adequate protection
• Efficient mode of transport of gases

Question 8

What function do nasal passages serve?

Answer 8

Nasal passages serve as a moistener, a filter, and to warm up the air before it reaches the lungs.

Question 9

What is the function of cilia in the nasal passages?

Answer 9

Cilia help collect dust, bacteria, and air particles.

Question 10

What is the role of the epiglottis?

Answer 10

The epiglottis blocks food and liquids from entering the opening of the larynx during swallowing.

Question 11

What is the structure of the trachea?

Answer 11

The trachea is a tube approximately 12 cm long and 2.5 cm wide, kept open by cartilage rings.

Question 12

What are bronchi?

Answer 12

Bronchi are two cartilage-ringed tubes that the trachea divides into, entering the lungs.

Question 13

What are bronchioles?

Answer 13

Bronchioles are smaller tubes that result from the division of bronchial tubes.

Question 14

What are alveoli?

Answer 14

Alveoli are tiny air chambers at the end of bronchioles, consisting of cup-shaped cavities.

Question 15

Why are alveoli suited for gaseous exchange?

Answer 15

Alveoli provide a large surface area, are well ventilated, richly supplied with blood vessels, very thin for quick diffusion, and permanently moist.

Question 16

What is tidal air?

Answer 16

Tidal air is the air that flows in and out of the lungs during breathing movements.

Question 17

What is the residual volume of air?

Answer 17

Residual volume is the air in the bronchioles that cannot be pushed out of the lung.

Question 18

How is oxygen transported in the blood?

Answer 18

Oxygen is mostly carried in erythrocytes, bonding with haemoglobin to form oxyhaemoglobin.

Question 19

How is carbon dioxide transported in the blood?

Answer 19

Carbon dioxide is transported as bicarbonate ions, combined with haemoglobin, or dissolved in the cytoplasm of red blood corpuscles.

Question 20

What triggers an asthma attack?

Answer 20

An asthma attack can be triggered by viral infections, allergies, pollution, exercise, emotions, or certain drugs.

Question 21

What are common symptoms of asthma?

Answer 21

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Tightness of the chest
• Shortness of breath

Question 22

What is negative feedback in breathing control?

Answer 22

Negative feedback regulates carbon dioxide concentrations by adjusting breathing rate based on detected pH changes.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: The _______ is a sheet of muscle that separates the thorax from the abdomen.

Answer 23

[diaphragm]

Question 24

True or False: The right lung has two lobes.

Answer 24

False

Question 25

What is the composition of inhaled air?

Answer 25

* 21% oxygen * 78% nitrogen * 0.03% carbon dioxide * 0.07% other gases

Question 26

What is the main function of the pleura?

Answer 26

The pleura surrounds the lungs and prevents friction and pain during breathing.

Question 27

How does the body maintain homeostasis in relation to oxygen and carbon dioxide?

Answer 27

The body maintains constant levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide through regulation of breathing.

Question 28

What are common allergens that trigger asthma?

Answer 28

Particles such as house-dust mites, grass or tree pollens, fungal spores, and skin flakes from furry animals ## Footnote Certain foods and additives can also trigger asthma in rare cases.

Question 29

What environmental factors can trigger asthma?

Answer 29

Pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust fumes, and certain chemical gases.

Question 30

What types of emotions can trigger asthma symptoms?

Answer 30

Excitement, anger, fear, or laughter.

Question 31

What types of drugs can trigger asthma?

Answer 31

Aspirin and anti-pain and anti-inflammatory tablets.

Question 32

Can asthma be completely cured?

Answer 32

No, asthma cannot be completely cured.

Question 33

What are the two types of drugs used for asthma treatment?

Answer 33

* Relievers * Preventers

Question 34

What is the purpose of reliever drugs in asthma treatment?

Answer 34

To relieve asthma symptoms when they appear.

Question 35

What is the purpose of preventer drugs in asthma treatment?

Answer 35

To help stop asthma symptoms from appearing in the first place.

Question 36

What is hay fever?

Answer 36

An allergic reaction to small particles of plant or animal protein affecting the eyes, nose, and throat.

Question 37

What causes the symptoms of hay fever?

Answer 37

The immune system identifies harmless particles as dangerous, releasing histamines.

Question 38

What are common symptoms of hay fever?

Answer 38

* Severe bouts of sneezing * Intense itching * Watery nasal mucus * Stuffy nose * Itchy and teary eyes * Reddened, pebbly lower eyelids * Frequent throat-clearing

Question 39

What are the main allergens that cause hay fever?

Answer 39

* Pollens of grass, trees, and some weed species * House dust mites * Animals * Moulds

Question 40

What are the four main groups of treatments for hay fever?

Answer 40

* Antihistamines * Mast cell stabilisers * Steroid sprays * Desensitisation

Question 41

What is the role of antihistamines in hay fever treatment?

Answer 41

To reduce allergic symptoms without causing excessive drowsiness.

Question 42

How do mast cell stabilisers work in treating hay fever?

Answer 42

They are safe sprays that help alleviate symptoms in hay fever sufferers.

Question 43

What is the function of steroid sprays in hay fever treatment?

Answer 43

To reduce and control inflammation in the nasal passages.

Question 44

What is the process of desensitisation in hay fever treatment?

Answer 44

Injecting increasing amounts of a known allergen to build tolerance.

Question 45

What is emphysema?

Answer 45

A long-term, progressive disease of the lungs characterized by destruction of alveolar walls.

Question 46

What happens to the lungs in early emphysema?

Answer 46

Inflammation of small airways limits air flow to the alveoli.

Question 47

What is a bulla in the context of emphysema?

Answer 47

An air-filled sac in the lung that does not function.

Question 48

What are the symptoms of emphysema?

Answer 48

* Shortness of breath * Difficulty breathing * Abundant mucus production * Barrel chest * Persistent coughing * Wheezing

Question 49

How is emphysema diagnosed?

Answer 49

Based on history, lifestyle, physical examination, and pulmonary function studies.

Question 50

What are the treatment options for emphysema?

Answer 50

* Medication regimens * Oxygen supplementation * Exercise training * Education * Surgery