Respiratory Flashcards
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
To facilitate gas exchange—bringing in oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.
What structures make up the upper respiratory tract?
Nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx.
What structures are part of the lower respiratory tract?
Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs.
What is the diaphragm?
A dome-shaped muscle that contracts to allow inhalation.
What is the role of alveoli?
Alveoli are tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs.
What gas is taken in during inhalation?
Oxygen (O₂)
What gas is expelled during exhalation?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
What lines the nasal cavity and filters, warms, and moistens air?
Mucous membranes and cilia.
What is the trachea also known as?
The windpipe.
What prevents food from entering the trachea?
The epiglottis.
What are bronchi?
The two main branches of the trachea that lead into the lungs.
What are bronchioles?
Smaller branches of the bronchi that lead to alveoli.
What is pulmonary ventilation?
The process of moving air in and out of the lungs (breathing).
What controls the rate of breathing?
The respiratory center in the brainstem (medulla oblongata).
What is external respiration?
Gas exchange between alveoli and blood.
What is internal respiration?
Gas exchange between blood and body tissues.
What is the pleura?
A double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs.
What is tidal volume?
The amount of air inhaled or exhaled in a normal breath.
What is the role of hemoglobin in respiration?
It binds and transports oxygen in red blood cells.
What is the name of the disease characterized by inflamed and narrowed airways?
Asthma.
