Introduction to lungs, airway and blood supply Flashcards
What are the 4 functions of the respiratory system?
Gas exchange
Acid-base balance
Protection from infection
Communication (speech)
What is the basic function of the respiratory system in terms of gas exchange?
Adds oxygen
Removes Carbon dioxide
(to/from the blood)
What are the differences between pulmonary and systemic circulation?
Pulmonary circulation refers to the circulation carrying blood between the heart and lungs
Systemic circulation is the between the heart and rest of the body
What 2 blood vessels make up the pulmonary circulation?
What is their function?
Pulmonary artery - which carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs
Pulmonary vein - which carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart
“Arteries always carry ______ blood, apart from the pulmonary artery which carries ______ blood”
Oxygenated
De-oxygenated
Where does gas exchange occur between the air and blood?
Alveoli
Alveoli are surrounded by a capillary bed.
Why does gaseous exchange not take place in veins or arteries?
The walls of veins and arteries are too thick to allow diffusion
What is the normal respiratory rate, at rest, in an adult?
10-20 breaths per minute
How does our respiratory system change when we do exercise?
Rate of ventilation increases
Depth of ventilation increases
What is the pharynx?
Throat
What is the small flap of tissue that folds over the trachea called?
Epiglottis
Where are your vocal chords contained?
The larynx
Superior to the trachea, inferior to the epiglottis
What is contained in the upper and lower respiratory tracts?
Upper:
- Mouth
- Nasal cavity
- Pharynx
- Epiglottis*
- Larynx
Lower:
- Trachea
- Bronchi
- Lungs
What encloses the lower respiratory tract?
Ribs
Spine
Diaphragm
(the thorax)
What is the main difference between the anatomy of the right and left lungs?
Right lung has 3 lobes
Left lung only has 2 lobes
