Respiratory System Flashcards
What are the functions of the respiratory system?
To exchange external gases CO2 and O2
To regulate blood ph levels via CO2 concentrations
Voice production via larynx
Helps return blood and lymph back to heart
What is the function of the pharynx
Passageway for air and food
What is the function of the epiglottis
Blocks off anything other than air from going into trachea
What’s the function of the nasal cavity
To warm, moisten and filter air as well as receptor for smell
What is the function of the larynx
To produce sound/voice
What is the function of the trachea
It’s protective and the passageway for air to lungs
What is the function of the bronchi
To carry air to and from right and left lung
What is the function of the bronchioles
They change diameter to regulate air flow
What is the function of alveoli
Its the site of gas exchange of CO2 and O2
During inhalation what are the changes in volume and pressure
The volume of the lungs and thoracic cavity increases while the pressure inside the lungs decreases
During exhalation what are the changes in volume and pressure
The volume of the thoracic cavity and lungs decreases and the pressure inside of the lungs increases
How do infections effect the respiratory system
Macrophages are in the airways and alveoli as well as acidic conditions to protect against rhino viruses
What parts of the respiratory system are easily colonised and infected by microbes
The upper respiratory system such as the nasal cavity
Describe external respiration
It occurs between the blood and the lungs where oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood and carbon dioxide diffuses from the pulmonary capillaries to the alveoli
Describe internal respiration
It occurs between the blood and the cells where oxygen diffuses from the blood to the cells and carbon dioxide diffuses from the cells to systemic capillaries
