Respiratory System

Question 1

Compare the conducting zone and the respiratory zone.

Answer 1

Conducting zone: function is to filter, warm, and moisten air and conduct it into the lungs
Unlike the respiratory zone, it does not specialize in the exchange of gases, and only accounts for conducting them.

Question 2

Explain inhalation and exhalation

Answer 2

Inhalation is the process by which animals take in oxygen.

As the animal exhales, CO2 is removed from the body.

Question 3

Explain gas exchange in the alveoli.

Answer 3

Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood and carbon dioxide from the blood into the alveoli.

Question 4

Describe the role of surfactant in the respiratory system.

Answer 4

Special cells in the alveoli secrete a substance called a surfactant, which reduces the surface tension of water, thereby enabling it to better coat the cells of the alveoli to keep them moist and keep them from sticking to each other when the person exhales. Lungs becoming stuck together may cause them to collapse.

Question 5

Describe how respiration is controlled.

Answer 5

Respiration is involuntary, as you do not have to think about the process of inhaling and exhaling in order to do it. Our breathing control center is located in the pons and the medulla oblongata.
Hyperventilating occurs when someone repeatedly takes deep, fast breaths.