Intro to Respiratory System Vocabulary Flashcards
ventilation of the lungs (breathing)
respiration
most important function of the respiratory system
gas exchange (O2 and CO2 exchanged between blood and air)
what is the path of air intake?
Trachea > 1°bronchus > bronchi > bronchioles > terminal bronchiole > respiratory bronchiole > alveolar duct > alveoli
What is the conducting division?
Nostrils through major bronchioles. This passage serves only for airflow with no gas exchange.
What is the respiratory division?
The functional unit of the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Consists of respiratory bronchiole, alveolar duct and alveoli.
What are some characteristics of alveoli?
Very thin respiratory surface, Large surface area, Close proximity to capillary bed, Slow moving air.
mechanism for debris removal
Mucociliary escalator
How does the mucociliary escalator work?
- Mucus traps inhaled particles
2. Upward beating cilia drives mucus toward pharynx where it is swallowed
functional unit of the respiratory system
Alveolar-capillary network
What does the Alveolar-capillary network do?
Alveoli facilitates rapid exchange of O2 and CO2 between the vascular and respiratory compartments
Alveoli are surrounded by ___________ that help promote gas exchange quickly.
capillary beds
three types of alveoli cells
- Type I alveolar cells
- Type II alveolar cells
- Alveolar macrophages
skinny cells that gas exchange occurs across
Type I alveolar cells
help regenerate type I alveolar cells and secrete pulmonary surfactant
Type II alveolar cells
help get rid of any last minute debris particles that may get to the cell
Alveolar macrophages
