Respiratory System Flashcards
What is external respiration?
The exchange of O2 and CO2 between the external environment and the cells of the body.
What is internal respiration?
Intracellular metabolic processes carried out within the mitochondria which use O2 and nutrients to produce energy (and CO2)
What are two of the most important functions of the respiratory system?
Gas exchange & Metabolic activity
What does the conducting zone do?
Bring air in and out of the lungs
What are the components of the conducting zone?
Trachea (primary bronchus), bronchi (secondary & tertiary bronchus) and bronchioles.
What does the respiratory zone do?
Gas exchange
What are the components of the respiratory zone?
Respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs.
Describe the structure of the primary bronchus.
C-shaped cartilage and smooth muscle.
Describe the structure of the secondary bronchus.
Cartilage plates and smooth muscle.
Describe the structure of the tertiary bronchus.
Less cartilage and more smooth muscle.
T/F: The respiratory zone has no smooth muscle or cartilage.
False; it has smooth muscle but no cartilage.
What is an alveolar sac?
A group of two or more alveoli with a common
opening into an alveolar duct.
What is the driving force for the flow of
air?
The difference between the atmospheric pressure at the mouth and the pressure in the alveoli.
In basic terms, what happens during inhalation?
Air flows in, ribs move up and out, and the diaphragm flattens.
In basic terms, what happens during exhalation?
Air flows out, ribs move down and in, diaphragm domes up.
