Human Respiratory system Flashcards
What is homeostasis?
The ability of an organism to maintain a constant internal environment.
List four examples of homeostasis in the body
Body temperature (37.5 degrees)
Blood pH 7.4 (lungs and kidneys)
Regulate glucose levels (pancreas)
Prevent toxic build up (liver/kidneys)
How does homeostasis depend on the rapid exchange of materials?
via. diffusion/ osmosis
Name 3 ways rapid exchange is ensured in homeostasis
- organisms/ structures can be flattened
- Thin - short distance for diffusion
- Large surface area for increased diffusion
What is an endothermic organism?
An animal that maintains body temperature independent of external environment
What is an exothermic/ ectothermic organism?
An animal who’s body temperature varies with external environment (e.g. lizards/ snakes)
Where is the human respiratory system located?
Thoracic region
What structural roll has the diaphragm
Forms floor
What protects the lungs?
Ribs and intercostal muscles
Where does air enter the body?
Through the nose and mouth
How does the nose filter air?
Nose contains small hairs called cilia and mucous which filter and warm air
Where is the pharynx found?
Where pipe from nose meets mouth where epiglottis is
What is the larynx also known as?
The voice box
What is the function of the larynx
Cartilage to produce sound
Where is the larynx located?
Top of trachea
What is the function of the trachea?
Windpipe that carries air from nose/ mouth to bronchus
How is the trachea held open?
Held open by c-shaped rings of cartilage (prevents collapse)
When the trachea splits into two windpipes it becomes … ?
Bronchus
What is the purpose of bronchus?
Carry air to left/ right lung
How are the bronchus held open?
Held open by c-shaped rings of cartilage (mucous and cilia)
What is the function of alveoli?
Air sacs for gas exchange
What is the function of bronchiole?
Tiny pipes within the lungs carrying air from bronchus to alveoli (contain mucous)
How are alveoli adapted to their function?
- Thin walled for rapid diffusion
- Excellent blood supply for movement of gases
- Large surface area for diffusion
- Moist to aid diffusion
What are the lungs enclosed by?
Pleural membranes and pleural fluid (allow friction free movement)
How many breaths on average do we take per minute?
12-15 (involuntary process)
What part of the brain controls inhalation?
Medulla Oblongata
What happens during inhalation?
Ribs up and out
Diaphragm down
Boyles law - Volume increased, pressure in lungs decreased (lower than atmosphere so air rushes in and fills the lungs)
What happens during exhalation?
Ribs move down and in (due to intercostal muscles relaxing)
Diaphragm moves up (resting state)
Boyles law - Volume decreases, pressure increases (pressure in lungs higher than atmosphere so air pushed out)
What is oxyhaemoglobin made up of?
Haemoglobin and oxygen
How is oxygen transported?
In red blood cells
How is carbon dioxide transported?
In the plasma as a bicarbonate ion
What is carbonic acid made up of?
CO2 diffused with water
How is water vapour transported?
In plasma
What is the importance of homeostasis in the respiratory system?
Allows normal metabolic activity and keeps temperature suitable for enzyme reactions.
What gas is the driver of breathing?
Carbon dioxide
Where are chemoreceptors located?
In the walls of the aorta artery and carotid (artery to brain) artery
What activates chemoreceptors to medulla oblongata?
Low pH or acidic blood
What increases breathing rate and CO2 levels?
Exercise
How does the body know to increase it’s breathing rate?
Medulla oblongata sends signals to the intercostal muscles to increase breathing rate and CO2 is blown out.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Shortness of breath, wheezing breathing
What are the causes of asthma?
Allergens trigger response e.g. pollen, dust,
Bronchiole narrow
How can asthma be prevented
Avoid exposure to allergens
Preventative inhalers
What is the treatment for asthma?
Bronchodilators,
Steroid inhalers
