Respiratory System Flashcards
What is Diffusion?
The process of a moist membrane allowing gasses to move into and pass through them.
How much surface area does the average human lung posses?
75 square metres
What is Inspiration?
The act of taking in oxygenated air
What is Expiration?
The process of forcing carbon dioxide out of the body
How does Inspiration start?
By the Thoracic Diaphragm contracting (flattening out)
What is the basic function of the Respiratory system?
Supplies tissues with oxygenated blood via air exchange and rids the body of carbon dioxide
Outline the path oxygen takes once inhaled
Mouth or nose, esophagus, larynx, trachea, bronchus, bronchioles, alveoli, capillaries
Size of an alveolus?
50 micrometres
How many alveoli does the average set of lungs contain?
300,000,000
What are alveoli?
Tiny membranes(sacks) at the end of bronchioles, covered in capillaries
What takes place in the alveoli and their capillaries during inspiration?
Dissolving of oxygen in the membranes and absorption by the blood via the capillaries
What is the other role of capillaries during oxygen absorption?
Switching oxygen out for carbon dioxide collected from all over the body
How do the lungs expand and contract?
Via flexing of the Thoracic Diaphragm
3 things that reduce Pulmonary function
- Age
- Smoking
- Pollutants
