Respiratory System Flashcards
Function
the respiratory system serves the vital function of exchanging gases between the air and blood: it is commonly divided into the upper respiratory system and the lower respiratory system
Upper respiratory system
-The upper respiratory system collects air, filters dust, pollen, other micro- organisms and contaminants from the air and delivers it to the lower respiratory system.
Upper respiratory system includes
-It includes the nose, nasal cavity (lined with hairs called cilia that move mucus to the throat for swallowing), pharynx (shared with the digestive system) and the uvala (the flap at the back of the throat)
The mucus of the upper repratory system contains
The mucus of the upper repratory system contains antimicrobial chemicals. That act against bacteria, fungi and some viruses
lower respiratory system
The lower respiratory system consists of a series of tubes-the larynx (voice box), trachea (wind pipe), bronchi, bronchioles, and hundreds of millions of alveoli which make up the lungs
The epiglottis:
The epiglottis folds aver the opening of the larynx during swallowing to prevent food and liquids from entering the lower respiratory organs
The Pathway of Air
Air flows from the larynx through the trachea, through the bronchi and bronchioles and into the alveoli of the lungs. In the alveoli, oxygen enters the blood through diffusion by passing through the walls of the alveoli and capillaries. Carbon Dioxide diffuses from the capillaries into the alveoli to be exhaled
Diffusion
Diffusion is the automatic movement of oxygen or carbon dioxide from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. This occurs with no energy added by the cells
A ciliated mucus membrane
A ciliated mucus membrane lines the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles. The cilla beat together abont 1000 times a minute to carry mucous and trapped contaminants up to the pharynx. The mucous and its contents pass inde the digestive system where digestive juices destroy them
