Respiratory System Flashcards
What is the process where oxygen is used to obtain energy from food
Aerobic Cellular Respiration
What are the structural features of the respiratory system
A thin permeable respiratory membrane for diffusion, a large surface area for gas exchange, a good blood supply, a breathing system
What is the principle of ventilation based on
Negative pressure: lower lung air pressure = air into lungs , higher lung air pressure = air out of lungs
Describe the process of inhalation
Diaphragm and external intercostal muscles contract, expanding chest cavity: air flows into lungs
Describe the process of exhalation
Relaxation of the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles: air forces out of lungs
What is the function of the pleural membrane?
prevents friction between lungs and other organs
What is total lung capacity?
Maximum volume of air that can be inhaled in one breath
What is tidal volume?
Volume of air inhaled/exhaled during a normal involuntary breath
What is inspiratory reserve volume?
Volume of air that can be forcibly inhaled after a normal inhalation
What is Expiratory reserve volume?
The volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a normal exhalation
What is residual volume?
The volume of air remaining in the lungs after a forced exhalation
What is vital capacity?
The maximum amount of air that can be inhaled or exhaled
What is the effect on O2 and CO2 levels during physical activity
Increased amount of CO2 in bloodstream creates carbonic acid: lowers blood pH
What does a lowering pH in the blood trigger?
Signals to the respiratory center of the brain, brain sends signals to increase breathing rate & volume of inhalation
What does an increased breathing rate do to CO2 levels?
Lowers CO2 levels in blood, decreasing carbonic acid concentration and lowers pH of blood
List the order in which air travels into your lungs/bloodstream
nasal cavity, pharynx, glottis, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, pulmonary capillaries
What is the structure of the trachea?
Semi rigid tube of soft tissue wrapped with c-shaped bands of cartilage
Why is the trachea wrapped with cartilage
To help support and keep the trachea open
What happens with gas exchange in the alveoli?
O2 and CO2 diffuse across its respiratory membrane, O2 diffuses in capillary network, CO2 from capillary diffuses into alveoli
