Respiratory System Flashcards
What are the main functions of the respiratory system? x3
- Provide oxygen and remove carbon dioxide
- Contributes to disease resistance (filters air)
- Provides airflow for speech
What are the components of the upper respiratory tract? x4
Nose
Nasal cavity
Pharynx
Larynx
What are the functions of the upper respiratory tract? x4
- Heating/cooling air
- Filtering air
- Sense of smell
- Moving air to lower airway
What are the components of the lower respiratory tract?
Trachea
Lungs
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Alveoli
What is the function of the lower respiratory tract?
Supplies blood with oxygen
What is the process of ventilation?
Movement of air from the environment, through the respiratory pathway, into the lungs
What is the process of respiration?
Alveolar sac level
Gas exchange between environment and body’s cells (diffusion of gases)
Oxygen carried to the alveoli - sent through the bloodstream via capillaries
Carbon dioxide removed - sent back out
What is the process of breathing?
Automatic process
Parts of the brain responsible for breathing detects carbon dioxide levels and sends signals to start the respiration process
Involves inspiration and expiration processes
What is the inward process of oxygen and carbon dioxide movement?
Oxygen-rich air from environment
Nasal cavities
Pharynx
Trachea
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Alveoli
O2/CO2 exchange at alveoli
What is the outward process of oxygen and carbon dioxide movement?
O2/CO2 exchange at alveoli
Alveoli
Bronchioles
Broncji
Trachea
Pharynx
Nasal cavities
CO2 rich air to the environment
What is inspiration?
Breathing in and bringing O2 to the cells of the body to sustain life
What is expiration?
Eliminate waste products (CO2) by breathing out
What are the mechanics of inhalation?
Parts of the brain sends signals to initiate stimuli for inspiration
Signals carried by nerves to inspiratory muscles
Diaphragm - tightens and lowers - causes increased size of thoracic (chest) cavity
Intercostal muscles (muscles between ribs) contract - causes ribcage to move up and out
Increased volume lowers intrapleural pressure in thoracic cavity
Alveolar pressure reduces below atmospheric pressure - causes air drawn into the lungs
Pleural lining on lungs also helps air flow
What are the parts of the brain responsible for respiration signals?
Autonomic nervous system:
1. Medulla - primary respiratory centre
2. Pons
3. Cerebral cortex
What are the mechanics for exhalation?
Diaphragm relaxes and rises back up - size of thoracic cavity decreases
Intercostal muscles relax - brings ribcage back in and downwards
Decreased volume increases air pressure within thoracic activity
Alveolar pressure increases above atmospheric pressure
Air is forced out
