Respiratory System Flashcards
What is gaseous exchange?
external respiration - the movement of oxygen into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide into the lungs
internal respiration - the release of oxygen to respiring cells for energy production and collection of waste products
what are alveoli?
clusters of tiny air sacs covered in a dense network of capillaries which together sere as the site for gaseous exchange
Describe the path of air through the respiratory system
air is drawn into the nasal cavity through the nose and travels down the pharynx, larynx and trachea. this divides into left and right bronchi as they enter the lung cavity. These subdivide into smaller bronchioles and end in alveolar ducts with a large surface area for gaseous exchange
Define breathing rate
the number of breaths per minute
Define tidal volume
the volume of air inspired or expired per breath
