Respiratory System Flashcards
Upper respiratory system
The upper respiratory system, or upper respiratory tract, consists of the nose and nasal cavity, the pharynx, and the larynx. These structures allow us to breathe and speak. They warm and clean the air we inhale: mucous membranes lining upper respiratory structures trap some foreign particles, including smoke and other pollutants, before the air travels down to the lungs.
The primary focus is to filter and humidify (moisten) the air coming in
Lower Respiratory System
The lower respiratory system, or lower respiratory tract, consists of the trachea, the bronchi and bronchioles, and the alveoli, which make up the lungs. These structures pull in air from the upper respiratory system, absorb the oxygen, and release carbon dioxide in exchange. Other structures, namely the thoracic cage (or rib cage) and the diaphragm, protect and support these functions.
Primary function is gas exchange
The Respiratory Mucosa (Mucus membrane)
Mucus lines the conducting portion (entrance of nasal cavity, extending through pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi and larger bronchioles)
Upper respiatory tract
Nasal cavity
Nasopharynx
Oropharynx
Laryngopharynx
Larynx
Lower Respiratory
Trachea
Bronchi
Lungs
Portion of the respiratory tract that carries air through the neck and upper chest
Trachea
Area of the brain that contains a centers for controlling breathing
Medulla
Primary structure for gas exchange
Aveoli
Bony structure that separates the mouth from the nasal cavity
Plate
What is the structure of the respiratory system?
upper (organ outside thorax - nose, pharynx and larynx)
lower respiratory tract (organ within thorax - trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveolar duct and alveoli).
What are the function of the respiratory system?
The lungs and respiratory system allow us to breathe. They bring oxygen into our bodies (called inspiration, or inhalation) and send carbon dioxide out (called expiration, or exhalation). This exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide is called respiration.
What is the role of the respiratory system in gas exchange
During gas exchange oxygen moves from the lungs to the bloodstream. At the same time carbon dioxide passes from the blood to the lungs. This happens in the lungs between the alveoli and a network of tiny blood vessels called capillaries, which are located in the walls of the alveoli.
Describe the relationship between the respiratory system and the cardiovascular system.
The cardiovascular system delivers oxygen and nutrients for respiration and removes waste from the body. It is important for providing oxygen to tissues and removing waste products.
Ventilation
The exchange of oxygen with carbon dioxide in the lungs
alveoli
tiny air sacs in the lungs where exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place
