Respiratory System Flashcards
What does the respiratory system do?
IT facilitates breathing, gaseous exchange and blood transport
What are the 2 process of respiration
External respiration - breathing, gaseous exchange and blood transport
Internal respiration - cellular respiration inside body cells
Explain the structure & functions of the structures of the respiratory system
Air passages (nose) - fine bones covered with moist mucous membrane
Function - warm and moisten incoming air & filter dust and pathogens
Trachea and Bronchi - supported by cartilage to prevent collapse. Bronchial tree branches in to smaller bronchioles
Lungs & Alveoli - lungs are spongy and divided in to 3 lobes
Alveoli are thin single layered structures which enable gaseous exchange by diffusion (oxygen in and carbon dioxide out)
What is asthma?
Disorder of the respiratory system that causes a tight chest, wheezing because of a narrowed airway
Triggered by allergens (dust, smoke, pollen)
What is COPD?
Involves bronchitis and emphysema
Caused by smoking, results in breathlessness and coughing
What is Pneumonia
Lung inflammation caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses
symptoms include fever, painful breathing and infected mucus
