Respiratory system, mech of breathing and gas exchange Flashcards
Practice
What is the respiratory system?
The respiratory system is specialized for gas exchange, taking in oxygen and removing carbon dioxide. This occurs in the lungs (alveoli).
What is ventilation?
Ventilation is the process of moving air into and out of the lungs.
What is inspiration?
Inspiration (inhalation) is the process of moving air INTO the lungs.
What is expiration?
Expiration (exhalation) is the process of moving air OUT of the lungs.
How does air move during breathing?
Air moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.
What structures help create air pressure changes for breathing?
The diaphragm, intercostal muscles, and rib cage help control air pressure changes for ventilation.
What happens to the diaphragm during inspiration?
Contracts
What happens to the Intercostal muscles during inspiration?
They Contract
What happens to the Rib cage during inspiration?
Moves up and out
What happens to the Volume of the thoracic cavity during inspiration?
It Increases
What happens to the air pressure in lungs during inspiration?
Decreases
What happens to the Movement of the air during inspiration?
Outside (high pressure) → Inside (low pressure)
What happens to the diaphragm during expiration
It relaxes
What happens to the intercostal muscles during expiration
They relax
What happens to the rib cage during expiration
It moves down and in
What happens to the thoracic cavity during expiration
The volume decrases
What happens to the Air pressure in lungs during expiration
It increases
How does the air move in the lungs during expiration
Inside (high pressure) → Outside (low pressure)
Function of the nasal cavity
Filters , warms and humidifies incoming air can detect odors.
Pharynx (Throat)
Serves as a pathway for air moving from the nasal cavity to the larynx, also is involved in swallowing.
Larynx (voice box)
Contains vocal cords for sound protection and routes air to the tracheas and food to the epiglottis.
Epiglottis
A flap of cartilage that closes over the trachea during swallowing to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway.
Trachea (windpipe)
Provides a clear airway for air to enter and exit the lungs, lined with mucus to trap and expel dusts and other particles.
Bronchi
Two main branches from the trachea leading into each lung. They further divide into smaller bronchioles.
Bronchioles
Smaller air passages that distribute air throughout the lungs.
Alveoli
Microscopic air sacs where the exchange of oxygen and CO2 occurs between the lungs and blood.
Lungs
They are the main organs of respiration where gas exchange occurs, contain millions of alveoli for oxygen intake and CO2 removal.
Diaphragm
A muscular partition that contracts and relaxes to facilitate breathing by changing the volume of the thoracic cavity.
Intercostal muscles
Muscles located between the ribs that assist with the expansion and contraction of the rib cage during breathing.
Ribs
Protect the lungs and other vital organs, aid breathing by expanding and contracting with the intercostal muscles.
Pleura
A double layered membrane surrounding each lung. Provides lubrications and reduces friction.
Concentration Gradient
A difference in
concentration of a solution, often between
the inside and outside of a cell; also called
diffusion gradient
