Respiratory System

Question 1

What are the key characteristics of the Alveoli that allows gas exchange to occur?

Answer 1

Walls are one cell thick
Large surface area
Large capillary network surrounding the Alveoli

Question 2

Define diffusion

Answer 2

The movement of gas molecules from an area of high partial pressure to an area of low partial pressure.

Question 3

Define Tidal Volume

Answer 3

Volume of air breathed in or out per breath

Question 4

What happens to tidal volume when you exercise?

Answer 4

The volume increases

Question 5

List the structures in the passage of air through the respiratory system

Answer 5

Nose
Larynx
trachea
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Alveoli

Question 6

Define minute ventilation

Answer 6

Volume of air breathed in or out per minute

Question 7

Why does minute ventilation increase during exercise?

Answer 7

Minute ventilation = Tidal Volume x number of breaths per minute. Both the depth of the breathing (Tidal Volume) and rate of breathing increase when you exercise.
There is an increase in order to increase the supply of O2 to the working muscles.

Question 8

Define Inspiratory Reserve Volume

Answer 8

Volume of air that can be forcibly inspired after a normal breath.

Question 9

Define Expiratory Reserve Volume

Answer 9

Volume of air that can be forcibly expired after a normal breath

Question 10

Define Residual Volume

Answer 10

The volume of air that remains in the lungs after a maximum expiration.

Question 11

Define Vital Capacity

Answer 11

The greatest volume of air that can be expelled from the lungs after taking the deepest possible breath.

Question 12

Partial Pressure of O2 in the lungs is 100mmHg and in the capillaries surrounding the Alveoli 40mmHg. Which way does O2 diffuse?

Answer 12

From the lungs to the RBC’s in the capillaries.

Question 13

What is the percentage of O2 in expired air at rest?

Answer 13

16.4%

Question 14

What is the percentage of O2 in expired air during exercise?

Answer 14

14%

Question 15

What detects an increase of CO2 or acidity in the blood?

Answer 15

Chemoreceptors

Question 16

Where is the respiratory control center located?

Answer 16

Medulla Oblongata

Question 17

What do stretch receptors do?

Answer 17

They detect the stretch of the lungs (inflation) and send a message to the expiratory control center to increase expiration and prevent the over inflation of the lungs.

Question 18

What are the 2 nerves used in the control of breathing?

Answer 18

Phrenic (to the diaphragm and external intercostals to increase depth and rate of breathing)
Intercostal nerve (to the abdominals and internal intercostal muscles to increase expiration)

Question 19

Baroreceptors detect a change in diastolic pressure.

What do proprioceptors detect?

Answer 19

Increase in movement in the muscles

Question 20

Name a lifestyle factor that impacts on the functioning of the respiratory system.

Answer 20

Smoking