lesson 5 - respiratory system organ functions Flashcards
What is the function of the nostrils
The nostrils are a passageway into the nasal cavity.
What is the pathway of air?
Air enters into the nostrils or mouth, then to the pharynx, epiglottis, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and then the alveoli.
What is the function of the nasal cavity
To warm, moisten, and clean the air that enters. It contains thin bones called turbinates.
What are turbinates?
Thin bones in the nasal cavity which are covered in a mucous secreting membrane that traps dust and particles while preserving moisture with the help of the cilia. The turbinates are supplied with capillaries, and helps raise the temperature and relative humidity of air.
What is the pharynx and what is its function?
The pharynx is the common passage for air and food and it located behind the tongue. It connects the mouth and the nasal cavity to the larynx and esophagus.
What is the epiglottis?
The epiglottis is a flap-like structure that helps control the flow of air and/or food. It prevents the food from entering the trachea and is normally upright to allow air to pass.
What is the glottis?
A flap-like structure controlled by the epiglottis which allows air to enter the larynx. It’s open during inhalation and closed during exhalation. When eating too fast, the glottis doesn’t get the signal to close in time and it causes choking.
What is the larynx?
The larynx is known as the “voice box.” It holds the two vocal cords in place and is separated by a gap. It’s made up of cartilage (tough connective tissue). When speaking, the muscles around the larynx contract and bring the cords closer together.
How do vocal cords work?
The vocal words are two membranes stretched apart, allowing air to pass freely. They come together and vibrate to create noise when talking. Males have longer vocal cords, resulting in a deeper sound.
What is the trachea and what does it do?
It’s commonly known as the “wind pipe” and allows passage of air from the pharynx to the lungs. It’s supported by rings of cartilage which prevents the trachea from collapsing. It goes from the throat to the middle of the chest and splits into 2 main branches
What does the upper respiratory tract include?
Nostrils, nasal cavity, mouth, pharynx, epiglottis, glottis, larynx, and trachea. It’s lined with cilia that secretes mucus to trap particles like dust and bacteria
What does the lower respiratory tract include?
Bronchi, lungs, bronchioles, and alveoli.
What are the bronchi?
End sections of the trachea that joins the lungs. They are two branching structures that feed air into each lung. Both bronchi divides into many smaller tubes called bronchioles.
What are bronchioles?
Smaller branches that supply air to all parts of each lung. Each bronchiole has alveoli at the end of its tubes.
What are the lungs?
The principle organs of respiration. They consist of two elastic membranous sacs containing bronchi and alveoli. The right lung has 3 lobes and the left lung has 2 lobes.
