Respiratory System Flashcards
What are the structures of the URT?
Nostrils, nasal passages, pharynx, epiglottis, larynx, trachea.
What is the main function of the respiratory system?
Exchange CO2 within the body for O2.
What do the nasal passages do?
Supply the lungs with relatively pure, warm, humidified air.
Do the pharynx and larynx work together?
Yes.
What does the epiglottis look like?
A leaf shaped piece of cartilage.
What are the structures of the LRT?
Bronchi, lungs, thorax, diaphragm.
What is the respiration cycle?
Inspiration + expiration + rest
What is another name for the thorax?
Chest.
What is inspiration?
The act of drawing air into the lungs.
What is expiration?
The act of exhaling or expelling air.
Where is the site of gas exchange?
At the alveoli.
What is the diaphragm?
A thin, dome shaped skeletal muscle sheet that contracts and flattens to enlarge the volume of the thorax and aid in respiration.
What is the function of the epiglottis?
Covering the opening of the larynx during swallowing.
What are the secondary functions of the respiratory system?
Vocalization, and thermoregulation.
What is the pharynx?
Also known as the throat, it is a common passageway for respiratory and digestive systems. It communicates with the nasal passages, mouth and larynx.
What is the larynx?
Also known as the voice box, it is a short, irregular tube connecting the pharynx with the trachea. It prevents swallowing from interfering with breathing and vice-versa.
What is the trachea?
Also known as the windpipe, it is a short, wide tube that extends from the larynx to the thorax. It divides into two bronchi that then enter the lungs.
What is the tracheal cartilage ring?
They are c-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage along the trachea, the gap between each ring is bridged by smooth muscle that allows the trachea to expand.
What is an alveoli?
A tiny, thin-walled sac of simple squamous epithelium, surrounded by networks of capillaries that bring blood to the alveoli where CO2 is exchanged for O2.
Do dogs and cats sweat?
Not really, only through their paw pads and noses.
How do dogs and cats cool down their bodies?
By breathing hard (panting), exchanging warm air from the body for the cooler air outside and evaporating moisture within the respiratory system.
