respiratory system composition

Question 1

explain the definition of respiration

Answer 1

Utilisation of O2 in the metabolism of organic molecules by cells

Exchanges of O2 & CO2 between an organism & the external environment

Question 2

name the 2 anatomical components of the respiratory system and what they include

Answer 2

upper respiratory tract
- nose, pharynx and associated structures

Lower Respiratory Tract
- larynx , trachea, bronchi and lungs

Question 3

explain the nasal cavity location, 3 divisions, and function

Answer 3

Most superior part of respiratory tract

Has 3 divisions:
- Vestibule: surrounding anterior external opening
- Respiration region
- Olfactory region

Humidifies and warms inspired air

Question 4

explain the pharynx in terms of function and location

Answer 4

Part of throat, behind mouth and nasal cavity

Carries air to the lanynx

Question 4

explain the trachea in terms of function and location

Answer 4

‘Windpipe’

Cartilagenous tube connecting larynx to the bronchi of the lungs

Question 4

explain the larynx in terms of function and location

Answer 4

Involved in breathing, producing sound & protecting trachea from food aspiration

Houses the vocal cords

‘Voice box’

found below the pharynx but above trachea

Question 5

name parts of the head and neck that are shared with the sensory system

Answer 5

olfactory epithelium

orifice of auditory (eustachian) tube

olfaction = smell

Question 6

name the parts to the head and neck that important areas of the respiratory system to note

Answer 6

uvula
epiglottis
vocal chord
larynx
esophagus
trachea

Question 7

explain the bronchus/bronchi

Answer 7

Conducts air to lungs:
- No gas exchange in bronchi

Branch at trachea:
- L & R primary bronchus
- Further branch & divide becoming narrower inside lung
- Secondary, tertiary bronchi
- 4th, 5th 6th order segmental bronchi, then cartilage-free bronchioles and alveoli

Question 8

explain the lungs

Answer 8

Most important organs in system

Near backbone, either side of heart, above diaphragm

Site of gas exchange
- Extract O2 from air, transfer to blood
- Release CO2 from blood to atmosphere

Question 9

explain the pleurae

Answer 9

Covering of the lung

Lubricate and reduce friction between lung and chest wall

Question 10

what 2 things make up the plural membrane

Answer 10

parietal pleura
visceral pleura

Question 11

summarise the branching of the bronchial tree

Answer 11

trachea
to
primary bronchi
to
secondary bronchi
to
tertiary bronchi
to
bronchioles
to
terminal bronchioles

e.g. trachea leads to the bronchi then bronchioles then alveoli

Question 12

the lung contains many what

Answer 12

lobes

and one cardiac notch

Question 13

explain the functions of the respiratory system

Answer 13

Provision of O2

Elimination of CO2

Regulate pH of blood (homeostasis)

Phonation (sound production: singing, speaking)

Protection against microbes & environmental variations (dehydration, temperature changes)

Emotional expression (laughing, crying)

Muscles of respiratory system assist in abdominal compression during urination, defecation & childbirth

Provide olfactory sensations.

Question 14

name the 5 steps of respiration

Answer 14

1. ventilation
2. gas exchange - o2 from alveoli into pulmonary circulation to left heart. and co2 out circulation from right heart to alveoli
3. gas transport - through heart and systemic circulation
4. gas exchange o2 to cells from left heart, and co2 out cells and to right heart
5. cellular respiration