respiratory system Flashcards
what is the function of the respiratory system
provides living things with oxygen and dispose of waste (carbon dioxide)
external respiration
exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between air and blood
internal respiration
exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and cells of tissues
cellular respiration
series of chemical reactions that take place in mitochondria
- produce ATP energy
function of nasal cavities
- lined with tiny hairs that act as a filtering system to trap foreign particles
- thin membrane secretes mucus, which traps particles and keeps lining moist
function of pharynx
- an air-filled channel at the back of the mouth
- two openings
TRACHEA: windpipe
ESOPHAGUS: carries food to stomach
function of epiglottis
flap-like structure that covers glottis when food is swallowed
function of larynx
aka voice box, contains two thin sheets of elastic ligaments called vocal cords
- vibrates as air is forced from lungs toward pharynx
- different sounds are produced by change in tension on vocal cords
function of trachea
- goes from throat to middle of chest
- lined with mucus
- mucus traps debris which is swept away by cilia back into pharynx
function of lungs
- inhaled air moves from trachea into two bronchi which enter lungs
- divided into lobes
- gas exchange occurs in the alveoli
explain the process of gas exchange
external: blood and lungs, CO2 moves out of blood, O2 moves into blood
internal: blood and cells of the body, O2 moves into cell, out of blood, CO2 moves out, into blood
what happens when someone is choking
- airway is blocked, no air can get through to lungs and brain
- procedure: join hands around stomach to form a fist, pull hands sharply in and out, repeat 5 times
- affects the trachea
how does the brain control the respiratory system
- medulla oblongata controls breathing
- brains sends message to system to breath
- controls diaphragm movement
- done automatically, without need to be conscious enough to do it
