Respiratory System Flashcards
What is the pathway of air through the respiratory system?
The pathway of air through the respiratory system is: Nose/Mouth > Pharynx > Larynx > Trachea > Bronchi > Bronchioles > Alveoli in lungs
What is the function of the nose and mouth in the respiratory system?
The nose and mouth serve as entry points for air. The nose also filters, warms, and moistens the air before it moves into the rest of the respiratory system.
How do the bronchi and bronchioles contribute to the respiratory process?
The bronchi are large airways that branch from the trachea into each lung, while the bronchioles are smaller branches that distribute air throughout the lungs to the alveoli.
What is the role of the diaphragm in the respiratory system?
The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that contracts and flattens during inhalation to allow the lungs to expand, and it relaxes during exhalation to help expel air from the lungs.
How does the diaphragm change the pressure in the chest cavity during inhalation?
The diaphragm contracts and flattens, increasing the chest cavity’s volume and decreasing pressure, allowing air to flow into the lungs.
What happens to the rib cage during exhalation?
During exhalation, the rib cage moves downward and inward as the intercostal muscles relax.
Why is it essential that alveoli have a large surface area?
A large surface area allows for more oxygen and carbon dioxide to be exchanged simultaneously, increasing efficiency.
What are the key features of the alveoli that make gaseous exchange efficient?
Moist, thin walls. large surface area, short diffusion pathway, surrounded by capillaries.
What is gaseous exchange, and where does it occur?
Gaseous exchange is the process of oxygen moving from alveoli into the blood and carbon dioxide moving from the blood into the alveoli. It occurs in the lungs’ alveoli.
What is the role of capillaries surrounding the alveoli in gaseous exchange?
Capillaries provide a continuous blood supply, ensuring oxygen is absorbed and carbon dioxide is removed efficiently.
How does the thinness of alveolar walls benefit gaseous exchange?
Thin walls reduce the diffusion distance, making the exchange of gases faster and more efficient.
What does tidal volume (TV) measure?
Tidal volume measures the amount of air inhaled or exhaled in a normal breath.
How is vital capacity (VC) defined?
Vital capacity is the maximum amount of air a person can exhale after a maximum inhalation.
What is residual volume (RV), and why is it important?
Residual volume is the amount of air left in the lungs after a full exhalation. It prevents lung collapse and ensures continuous gas exchange between breaths.
What does breathing rate (BR) measure, and how is it calculated?
Breathing rate measures the number of breaths taken per minute and is calculated by counting the breaths over a set period, typically one minute.
How is inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) different from tidal volume (TV)?
IRV is the additional air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation, while TV is the air exchanged during a normal breath.
Why is it important to measure vital capacity (VC)?
Vital capacity provides information about the maximum amount of air the lungs can handle, which is useful in assessing lung health.
Why is residual volume (RV) crucial for lung function?
Residual volume ensures that the lungs remain partially inflated, allowing for continuous gas exchange even between breaths.
What happens to tidal volume during exercise?
Tidal volume increases during exercise to allow more oxygen intake and carbon dioxide expulsion.
How does breathing rate change from rest to physical activity?
Breathing rate increases significantly during physical activity to meet the higher oxygen demand of the muscles.
What role do the intercostal muscles play in meeting the oxygen demand during exercise?
The intercostal muscles contract more forcefully and frequently during exercise to expand the chest cavity further, increasing airflow.
How does the respiratory system adapt to long-term exercise?
Over time, lung capacity may increase, breathing efficiency improves, and respiratory muscles strengthen to support sustained physical activity.
