Respiratory System Flashcards
What is respiration external?
Exchange of O2 + CO2 between an organism + external environment
What is respiration internal?
Utilisation of O2 by cells in metabolism
What is the pathway of breathing?
Nasal cavities –> pharynx –> trachea –> bronchi –> bronchioles –> alveoli –> O2 + CO2 exchange
What is part of the upper respiratory tract?
Nasal + nose sinuses
Nasopharynx
Pharynx
Larynx
What is part of the lower respiratory tract?
Trachea
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Lungs
What is the function of respiratory system?
Gaseous exchange Olfaction Speech Homeostasis Protection
Why olfaction?
Nerve endings in nasal cavity + transmitted to brain via 1st cranial nerve
Why speech?
Vocal cords in larynx
Why homeostasis?
Via O2 + CO2 exchange
Why protection?
Via immune system + mucus production
Describe structure of the nose
Lined with cilia
What is the function of cilia in the nose?
Filter the air
Epithelial cells secrete mucus to trap dust + bacteria
Describe structure of nasopharynx
Back = adenoids
Eustachian tubes
What is function of adenoids in nasopharynx?
Made up of dense lymphoid tissue = fight infections
What is the function of eustachian tubes in
nasopharynx?
Connect nasopharynx to ear = equalise pressure in ear
What is the pharynx?
Muscular tube behind mouth, between nasopharynx + larynx
What is the function of pharynx?
Air + food passage
What are the tonsils made up of?
Dense lymphoid tissue
What are the problem with tonsils?
During infection can cause air-flow resistance
What is the larynx?
Short passage - connects pharynx to trachea
Walls contain vocal cords
What is the opening from pharynx to larynx?
Glottis
What happens to the glottis when swallowing?
Covered by epiglottis to prevent choking
What is the trachea?
Tube from larynx to upper chest
What is the structure of trachea?
20 “C” shaped rings of cartilage + smooth muscle
What is the importance of mucus in the bronchi?
Trap solid particles + cilia move them outwards = expelled in coughing
What is the bronchi?
Trachea divides to form bronchi
What is the structure of bronchi?
Similar to trachea
Lined with cilia, which secrete mucus + saline
What does the cartilage rings allow in the trachea?
Expansion of oesophagus = bolus food swallowed