Respiratory System Flashcards
nasal cavities description/function
cavity within nose divided into two sections by septum filters and conditions air (warms, moistens) olfaction (smell)
sinuses description/function
Large air-filled spaces int he bones of the face. lessen weight of head warm and moisten inhaled air
pharynx description/function
AKA throat chamber which connects nasal cavities to esophagus & larynx passageway for food, drink, air
larynx description/function
boxlike structure made of cartilage between pharynx and trachea contains vocal cords and glottis allows only air to pass to lower respiratory system source of the voice
epiglottis description/function
flap of tissue reinforced with cartilage covers glottis during swallowing
glottis
opening of the larynx through which air passes
vocal cords
two thick strands of tissue stretched over the opening of the glottis which are responsible for producing sound
trachea description/function
tube reinforced with c-shaped rings of cartilage leads from larynx to bronchi main airway conducting air from larynx to bronchi
bronchi description/function
two large branches of trachea reenforced with cartilage conduct air from trachea to each lung
bronchioles description/function
narrow passageways leading form bronchi to alveoli conduct air to alveoli adjust airflow in lungs
alveoli description/function
microscopic sacs in lungs bordered by capillary networks provide lots of surface area for gas exchange
surfactant
Phospholipid molecules coating the alveoli which keep them open
diaphragm
Concave sheet of muscle that separates abdominal cavity and thoracic cavity which contracts during inhalation and relaxes during exhalation.
intercostal muscles
The muscles in between the ribs which contract during inhalation and relax during exhalation.
Mechanisms of inspiration
Intake of air from the lungs (inhale) caused by the contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles
Mechanisms of expiration
Passive expelling of air from the lungs (exhale) caused by relaxation of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
tidal volume
Amount of air inhaled/exhaled during a normal resting breath.
inspiratory reserve volume
Amount of air that can be inhaled in addition to normal breath.
expiratory reserve volume
Amount of air that can be exhaled in addition to normal breath.
vital capacity
Maximum amount of air that can be inhaled/exhaled in a single breath.
residual volume
Amount of air remaining in lungs after maximum exhalation.
total lung capacity
total amount o fair in lungs after maximal inhalation vital capacity + residual volume
oxyhemoglobin
hemoglobin bound to oxygen Accounts for 98.5% of transported oxygen
carbinohemoglobin
hemoglobin bound to carbon dioxide Accounts for 20% of transported carbon dioxide
carbonic anhydrase
Enzyme within red blood cells which increases the rate of bicarbonate ion formation (lowering CO2 and acidity levels)
List 3 ways carbon dioxide is transported in the body and how much (%) each way contributes.
70% as bicarbonate ion 20% carried by hemoglobin 10% dissolved in plasma
Explain why food does not usually enter the lower respiratory system when you swallow.
Because the larynx rises, causing the epiglottis to close over the glottis.
How is human speech produced?
Speech is produced in the larynx by air moving through the narrowed opening of the glottis, causing the vocal cords to vibrate.