Respiratory System Flashcards
1
Q
Gas exchange at the alveoli
A
- Oxygen-poor blood returns to the heart from capillaries in body tissues
- heart pumps this blood to alveolar capillaries in lungs
- O2 in alveolus —> red blood cell
- CO2 in red blood cell —> alveolus
- Gases in the alveoli have more O2 and less CO2 than gases in the blood
- Oxygen-rich blood returns to heart and pumped out to body tissues
- Tissues have more CO2 and less O2 than in the blood
2
Q
Breathing
A
-Breathing is the alternate inhalation and exhalation
3
Q
Nasal cavity
A
-Warms and moistens air
4
Q
Pharynx
A
-Back of throat, where digestive and respiratory systems meet/cross
5
Q
Epiglottis
A
-Flap that covers opening to trachea when eating or drinking
6
Q
Larynx
A
-“Voice box” holds vocal chords
7
Q
Trachea
A
-“Windpipe” air passes through this rigid tube on way to the lungs
8
Q
Bronchi
A
-Two branches off trachea, one going to each lung (singular: bronchus)
9
Q
Bronchioles
A
-Smaller branches off the bronchi
10
Q
Alveoli
A
- Air sacs surrounded by capillaries where O2 is exchanged for CO2 (singular: alveolus)
- O2 rich blood return to heart from here
11
Q
Diaphram
A
-Muscle that helps move air into lungs
12
Q
Emphysema
A
- The delicate walls of the alveoli become permanently damaged and the lungs lose the elasticity that helps expel air during exhalation
- Caused by: particles (from air pollution, tobacco smoke) damages alveoli
13
Q
Asthma
A
- Narrows bronchial tubes
- During asthma attack:
- –Muscles tighten and narrow bronchiole tubes
- –Mucus is made which clogs bronchiole passages and blocks alveoli
- Inhaler relaxes bronchial tubes to ease breathing
14
Q
Bronchitis
A
-Inflammation + excess mucus
15
Q
Smoking / vaping
A
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