Respiratory System Flashcards
Learn all about the respiratory system
What is the primary role of the respiratory system?
Bring blood in contact with the atmosphere air so that the oxygen can be taken in and produce energy to enable activity and then get rid of CO2 (waste product)
What are haemoglobin?
The protein found in red blood cells that transport oxygen as oxyhaemoglobin and carbon dioxide around the body
What is gaseous exchange?
It’s the process of oxygenated air in the lungs swapping with used deoxygenated air in the red blood cells. Gaseous exchange is only possible through diffusion.
What is diffusion?
It is the movement of gas from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration
How does gaseous exchange work?
1) Oxygen enters the alveoli and diffuses into the haemoglobin in the red blood cells that are found in the capillaries (out via the Pulmonary Vein).
2) In the capillaries, oxygen combines with haemoglobin to form Oxyhaemoglobin which then gets carried around the body.
3) CO2 is transferred into the alveoli from the Pulmonary Artery and is exhaled.
4) Oxyhaemoglobin travels towards active muscles when O2 breaks away to provide oxygen.
What are the features that help with gaseous exchange?
- Alveoli walls are one cell thick
- They provide a large surface area for gaseous exchange to take place
- Capillaries are a network of very fine blood vessels
- Lots of capillaries run across the alveoli ensuring a large blood supply
- All gases move from an area of high to an area of low concentration in an attempt to reach an equilibrium
- The distance the molecules travel is called the diffusion pathway which is short in gaseous exchange
What happens when you inhale?
1) The diaphragm contracts. It flattens and moves downwards.
2) The intercostal muscles contract, raising the ribs and pushing out the sternum, making the chest cavity larger.
3) The lungs increase in size and the air pressure inside the lungs is reduced.
4) The air pressure outside the body is now higher than inside the body. Air travels from area of high to low pressure so air is pulled into the lungs.
What happens when you exhale?
1) The diaphragm relaxes.It moves back into a dome shape.
2) The intercostal muscles relax, lowering the ribs and dropping the sternum, making the chest cavity smaller.
3) The lungs reduce in size and the air pressure inside the lungs is increased.
4) The air pressure outside the body is now lower than inside the body. Air travels from area of high to low pressure so air leaves the lungs.
What is the pathway of air through the respiratory system?
1) Oxygen is taken through either the nose or the mouth.
2) It travels down the trachea then splits off into the left and right bronchus.
3) Next it goes into the bronchioles and travels to the Alveoli where diffusion occurs.
What are 3 advantages of inhaling through your nose?
- It makes the air moist
- It warms the air
- The fine hairs clean the air
What is Tidal Volume (TV)?
It is the volume of air inspired or expired per breath
What is the Tidal Volume amount at rest?
500ml
What is Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)?
It is the maximum amount of air forcefully inspired in addition to tidal volume
What is the Inspiratory Reserve Volume at rest?
3100ml
What is Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)?
It is the maximum amount of air forcefully expired in addition to tidal volume
