Lesson 2 - The respiratory system and the mechanism of breathing

Question 1

What does the respiratory system consist of?

Answer 1

The respiratory system consists of a number of tubes that take in air from our surroundings and carry it to small air sacs (alveoli) where it can diffuse into the blood.

Question 2

Where are the lungs located?

Answer 2

The lungs are in the upper part of the body (the thorax) and are protected by the rib cage.

Question 3

What separates the lungs from the abdomen?

Answer 3

The lungs are separated from the lower part of the body (the abdomen) by the muscular diaphragm.

Question 4

What is the pathway of air starting from the trachea?

Answer 4

Air passes into the trachea, which then branches into 2 bronchi, with 1 bronchus going into each lung.

Question 5

What are bronchioles?

Answer 5

Bronchioles are smaller tubes that branch off the bronchi.

Question 6

What is the function of mucus in the respiratory system?

Answer 6

The walls of the trachea and bronchi are covered in mucus to catch any microbes or dust that may be in the air we inhale.

Question 7

How is mucus moved in the respiratory system?

Answer 7

Mucus is moved to the back of the throat by small hair-like structures called cilia.

Question 8

What happens to the mucus after it is swallowed?

Answer 8

After swallowing, the acid in the stomach kills off any bacteria in the mucus.

Question 9

Label diagram

Answer 9