Respiratory System Flashcards
Primary Functions
To provide oxygen to body tissues for cellular respiration
Remove the waste product carbon dioxide
Help to maintain acid-base balance
Secondary Functions
Sensing odors
Speech production
Straining (during childbirth or coughing)
Conducting zone
Moves air in and out of the lungs
Nose
The major entrance and exit for the respiratory system
Pharynx
The human pharynx (plural: pharynges) is the part of the throat situated immediately posterior to the mouth and nasal cavity, and superior to the esophagus and larynx.
Larynx
is the cartilaginous structure that connects the pharynx to the trachea and helps regulate the volume of air that enters and leaves the lungs. The larynx is also involved in sound production and protecting the trachea against food aspiration.
Trachea
a tube that connects the pharynx or larynx to the lungs, allowing the passage of air.
Alveolar Duct
a tube composed of smooth muscle and connective tissue, which opens into a cluster of alveoli.
Alveolus
is one of the many small, grape-like sacs that are attached to the alveolar ducts.
Alveolar sac
is a cluster of many individual alveoli that are responsible for gas exchange.
Boyle’s Law (formula)
P1V1 = P2V2
Boyle’s Law (text explanation)
Pressure and volume are inversely related.
Medulla Oblangata
The control center that tells us to breathe.
Eupnea
a mode of breathing that occurs at rest and does not require the cognitive thought of the individual. During quiet breathing, the diaphragm and external intercostals must contract.
Diaphragmatic breathing
requires the diaphragm to contract. As the diaphragm relaxes, air passively leaves the lungs. A shallow breath, called costal breathing, requires contraction of the intercostal muscles. As the intercostal muscles relax, air passively leaves the lungs.
