respiratory system Flashcards
what is respiration?
the gas exchange between an organism and its environment
what is the mammalian respiratory system made up of?
- nose
- larynx
- trachea
- lungs
- bronchi
- bronchioles
- alveoli
what is the function of the larynx?
- regulate the flow of gases into the respiratory tract
- prevent anything other than gases from entering
what is the larynx also known as and why?
- the “voice box”
- responsible for production of sounds
what is found inside of the nasal chambers?
turbinates
what is the function of the turbinates?
warm and humidify inspired air coming through the nasal chambers
what is inspired air?
air filled with oxygen
what is the trachea, and what is its function?
- open tube attached to larynx
- carries inspired air to the lungs
what are bronchi?
- large tubes that divide into the left and right bronchi
- divide smaller and smaller (like branches)
- supported by rings of cartilage
what happens to smaller bronchi?
the cartilage diminishes and dissolves
what are bronchioles?
- bronchi with no cartilage, instead have smooth muscle
- continue to branch throughout lungs
what are alveoli?
- thin walled sacs surrounded by capillary networks
what element of the alveoli allows gas exchange in the blood?
it’s very thin lining
what can be found at the end of the alveolar ducts?
alveolar sacs
what is the smallest diameter branch found in the lungs?
alveloar ducts
