respiratory system Flashcards
What is the primary function of the respiratory system
The respiratory system is responsible for overseeing gas exchanges between the blood and the external environment.
Where does gas exchange occur in the lungs?
occurs only in the alveoli of the lungs.
What does the lower respiratory tract consist of?
The lower respiratory tract includes passageways from the trachea to the alveoli.
Where are olfactory sensors located in the nose?
They are located in the mucosa in the slitlike superior part of the nasal cavity.
What is the role of respiratory mucosa in the nasal cavity?
It moistens air, traps incoming foreign particles, and contains enzymes that destroy bacteria chemically.
three mucosa-covered projections that increase surface area, air turbulence, and particle trapping
conchae in the nasal cavity
cavities in the bones surrounding the nasal cavity that lighten the skull and act as resonance chambers for speech
paranasal sinuses
What are the three regions of the pharynx?
Nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.
routes food into the esophagus and air into the trachea, preventing food from entering the lungs
epiglottis
located in the nasopharynx and help protect against infection
pharyngeal tonsils
routes air and food into the proper channels and plays a role in speech
larynx
also known as the Adam’s apple
thyroid cartilage
How are the right and left main bronchi different
The right bronchus is wider, shorter, and straighter than the left
Where do the main bronchi enter the lungs?
The main bronchi enter the lungs at the hilum
covers the lung surface
pulmonary pleura
(dust cells) protect the lungs by picking up bacteria, carbon particles, and other debris
alveolar macrophages
What are the four events of respiration?
Pulmonary ventilation, external respiration, respiratory gas transport, and internal respiration.
What occurs during inspiration (inhalation)
The diaphragm and external intercostal muscles contract, increasing lung volume and decreasing gas pressure, causing air to flow into the lungs
How does expiration (exhalation) occur?
Expiration is a passive process that occurs when lung elasticity decreases intrapulmonary volume and increases gas pressure, causing air to flow out of the lungs.
What is intrapleural pressure
Intrapleural pressure is the negative pressure within the pleural space that prevents lung collapse.
amount of air moved in and out of the lungs during normal quiet breathing, typically 500 mL.
tidal volume
vital capacity
TV + IRV + ERV
chronic condition where bronchial passages are hypersensitive and inflamed, leading to difficulty breathing
asthma
What is the role of carbon dioxide in controlling respiration
High levels of CO2 increase the rate and depth of breathing to remove excess CO2 and restore pH balance
