Respiratory

Question 1

Compare and contrast internal and external respiration.

Answer 1

External Respiration
* Occurs in the lungs
* Oxygen (O2) is delivered from the
alveoli to the pulmonary capillary
* Carbon dioxide (CO2) is delivered to
the alveoli from the pulmonary
capillary

Internal Respiration
* Occurs at the cellular level
Oxygen (O2) is delivered from the
bloodstream to the body’s tissues and cells.
* Carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by cellular
metabolism, moves from the cells into the
bloodstream

Question 2

Explain the major junctions of the respiratory system

Answer 2

Pharynx (throat): Tube that delivers air from your mouth and nose to the trachea (windpipe).
Trachea: Passage connecting your throat and lungs.
Bronchial tubes: Tubes at the bottom of your windpipe that connect into each lung.

Question 3

Identify, name and describe key anatomical structures of the upper respiratory
system

Answer 3

The upper respiratory system consists of the nose, pharynx, and associated structures

Question 4

Identify, name and describe the key anatomical structures of the lower
respiratory system

Answer 4

The lower respiratory system consists of the
larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs

Question 5

Describe cilia and their major functions in the respiratory system.

Answer 5

The bronchus in the lungs are lined with hair-like projections called cilia that move microbes and debris up and out of the airways.

Question 6

Identify and describe the functions of types of cells in the alveolar

Answer 6

Type 1 pneumocytes: Simple squamous epithelial cells, Form the walls of the respiratory membrane

Type 2 pneumocytes: Simple Cuboidal epithelial cells, Produce surfactant

Alveolar macrophages: Resident immune cells, Phagocytose pathogens

Question 7

Define gas exchange and its importance

Answer 7

O2 in
1. Ventilation of the lungs.
2. Diffusion of oxygen from the alveoli into the blood in the pulmonary capillaries.
3. Perfusion of systemic capillaries with oxygenated blood.
4. Diffusion of oxygen from systemic capillaries into the cells.

CO2 out (essentially the reverse!)
1. Diffusion of carbon dioxide from the cells into the systemic capillaries.
2. Perfusion of the pulmonary capillary bed with deoxygenated blood.
3. Diffusion of carbon dioxide into the alveoli.
4. Removal of carbon dioxide from the lung by ventilation.

Question 8

Describe the function of surfactant and how it aids in effective gas exchange

Answer 8

A detergent-like mixture of phospholipids, surfactant proteins, and neutral lipids - it is amphiprotic (some of it is non-polar and another part is polar).
Decreases water cohesiveness
Reduces surface tension of alveolar fluid, & reduces tendency to recoil (alveolar collapse)

Question 9

Integrate the function of the muscular system with the process of respiration

Answer 9

As the diaphragm contracts, it increases the length and diameter of the chest cavity and thus expands the lungs. The intercostal muscles and neck muscles help move the rib cage and thus assist in breathing.

Question 10

Describe the key pressure gradients and their importance in efficient
respiration

Answer 10

Gases move from a higher pressure to a lower pressure

The flow of air into the lungs requires that a pressure gradient between the atmosphere and the alveoli be established. This driving pressure gradient is accomplished by the contraction of the inspiratory muscles.

Question 11

Explain Boyle’s Law and its relationship to respiration

Answer 11

Boyle’s law has application in human breathing. As the lungs expands, the volume inside the lungs increases and the pressure inside decreases (it follows Boyle’s law). As the pressure is in lower concentration inside the body, the air moves inside the lungs from outsides.

Question 12

Describe the three main factors that influence respiration

Answer 12

The first three key factors affecting cellular respiration are temperature, glucose levels, and oxygen levels.

Question 13

Describe the key factors that impact pulmonary ventilation

Answer 13

High compliance: lungs and chest wall expand easily with each breath in, so it takes less effort to breathe.

Low compliance: they’re stiffer and it takes more effort to fill them with air.

Question 14

Describe the three methods CO₂ is transported

Answer 14

□ Dissolved in plasma
□ Bound to haemoglobin.
□ As bicarbonate ions in red blood cells.

Question 15

If a figure shows a normal spirometry trace.
What is the respiratory volume labelled B

Answer 15

It is the amount of air that moves in and out of the lungs during normal, quiet breathing

Question 16

What are the primary neural centers in the brainstem responsible for regulating the involuntary control of breathing

Answer 16

Involuntary control of breathing is regulated by neural activity from brain stem located in the medulla oblongata and the pons respiratory centres.

Question 17

Is exhalation during forced breathing primarily passive?

Answer 17

No, exhalation during forced breathing is primarily active, involving the contraction of respiratory muscles to expel air forcefully.

Question 18

What would an increase in partial pressure of carbon dioxide do in the plasma

Answer 18

An increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in plasma would shift the curve to the right, causing more oxygen to be unloaded from haemoglobin.