Respiratory System Flashcards
What is the larynx?
The voice box containing vocal cords. They’re different in men and women causing the distinguishable difference in pitch. Air passes over vocal cords, playing a large role in speech. Also protects the lower respiratory tract as during swallowing a flap of cartilage called the epiglottis covers the larynx so food goes down the oesophagus not the trachea.
What is the trachea?
Muscular tube below the larynx also known as the windpipe. Connects the larynx to bronchi to allow transport of air to the lungs. Cells that line the trachea have cilia that move mucus and trapped dust and microorganisms up towards the throat. Goblet cells produce mucus lining the trachea. Cartilage rings hold the trachea permanently open and the muscular bands between them allow flexibility so it doesn’t kink when the head or neck are moved.
What are the bronchi/bronchioles?
Bronchi are tubes branching from the trachea, carrying air from the trachea to smaller bronchioles. Muscle in the walls of these tubes can contract to make tubes smaller, which can be an issue in people w asthma in getting air to lungs. Bronchial walls are made of the same tissue as trachea and cartilage rings are only present in bronchi not bronchioles. Contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle in bronchi regulate speed and volume of air into lungs.
What are alveoli?
End of branches of bronchioles. Tiny air chambers which have cells one cell thick where gas exchange occurs. The surface is covered in capillaries. Oxygen diffuses from air into blood and carbon dioxide diffuses from blood into air saves. Elastic tissues allow air sacs to inflate.
What are the pleural membranes?
Cover the outside of the lungs, providing lubricating fluid allowing lungs to expand smoothly as we rested in. Pressure in the cavity helps to keep lungs expanded and the fluid prevents friction during breathing.
What is the diaphragm?
Large dome underneath ribs with muscles that contract and relax to allow inspiration and exhalation. Forms the division between the thorax and abdomen and keeps abdominal organs in place.
What are the intercostal muscles?
Occupy the spaces between ribs and their contraction allows chest expansion for breathing.
What are the lungs?
Main organs of the respiratory system transporting oxygen from air into blood and CO2 from blood out.
Describe inspiration.
- External intercostal muscles contract
- Ribs move up and out
- Diaphragm flattens
- Volume increases
- Pressure decreases
- Air drawn in
Describe expiration.
- Intercostal muscles relax
- Ribs move down and in
- Diaphragm relaxes and returns go domed shape
- Volume decreases
- Pressure increases
- Air forced out
Describe gas exchange at the alveoli.
Passive process so no energy needed. Occurs across one cell thick walls of the alveoli. The alveoli have a huge surface area and there are millions of them, and have a moist lining to diffuse gases, to allow gas exchange to be efficient. Surrounded by capillaries so there’s a lot of blood. O2 and CO2 move down concentration gradients across the semipermeable membrane.
What is asthma?
A chronic disease where sufferers have repeated attacks of breathing difficulties. During asthma attacks the smooth muscle in bronchi walls contracts so it’s harder for air to pass trough, making the characteristic wheezing noise. Asthma also causes the lining of the bronchi to be inflamed so excess mucus is produced.
Who gets asthma?
Most of the sufferers are children, mostly boys under 10, but anyone can get it. Among adults women are most likely to develop it.
What are asthma triggers?
External agents such as smoke, pollen, dusts, dust mites, cold air, scents and pollutants. Also internal agents like stress and performing exercise.
What are symptoms of asthma?(Physical effects).
Difficulty breathing Shortness of breath Wheezing Coughing, especially at night Troubled sleep Symptoms of a severe asthma attack are bluish skin, gasping breath, exhaustion so severe talking is difficult or impossible, confusion, restlessness
