Gaseous Exchange Flashcards
What’s the upper part of the body called?
Thorax
What are the lungs protected by?
Ribcage
What separates the lungs from the lower part of the body?
Diaphragm
What does the breathing system allow oxygen from the air to do?
Diffuse into the bloodstream
What does the breathing system allow carbon dioxide from the bloodstream to do?
Diffuse out of the bloodstream into the air
What does the ribcage do to allow air into the lungs?
Move out and up
What does the diaphragm do to allow air into the lungs?
Flatten
Describe breathing in in terms of muscle contraction and pressure
Intercostal muscles and diaphragm contract, thorax volume increases, decreases the pressure- drawing air into the lungs
Describe breathing out in terms of muscle contraction and pressure
Intercostal muscles and diaphragm relax, thorax volume decreases, increases pressure- air forced out
What are ventilators?
Machines that move air into and out of the lungs
Who uses artificial ventilators? Example?
People who can’t breathe by themselves ie have a lung injury, a disease, or under general anaesthetic
How did the iron lung work for breathing in?
Air pumped out of the case, pressure dropped, lungs expanded and air was drawn in
How did the iron lung work for breathing out?
Air pumped into case, pressure increased in lungs, air out of the lungs
Problems with the iron lung?
Could interfere with blood flow in the lower body, patient was confined in a machine
Advantages of the iron lung?
Very simple, effective for treating illnesses like polio
