Respiratory System Revision

Question 1

Describe the functions of the Respiratory System.

Answer 1

• Bring air from atmosphere into lungs.
• Transference of oxygen into blood.
• Removal of carbon dioxide from blood.
• Expel heat and water vapor in air breathed out.
• Allow vocal cords to create speech as air is breathed out.

Question 2

Pathway of air through the Conducting System.

Answer 2

• Nasal Cavity
• Pharynx
• Larynx
• Trachea
• Bronchi
• Bronchioles
• Alveoli

Question 3

Function of nasal cavity.

Answer 3

The nose is the initial pathway for air from outside the body. Air is warmed and moistened in the nose to be more readily used by the body’s interior.

Question 4

Function of the Pharynx.

Answer 4

Food is channelled into the oesophagus, while the air moves into the larynx. The air is further warmed.

Question 5

Function of the Larynx.

Answer 5

The larynx contains the vocal cords that create the voice as air passes through them.

Question 6

Function of Trachea.

Answer 6

The trachea is also known as the windpipe. Allows passage of oxygen into the lungs.

Question 7

Function of Bronchi.

Answer 7

The trachea divides into two bronchi. Each bronchus feeds one of the lungs.

Question 8

Function of Bronchioles.

Answer 8

Each bronchus divides into a series of further dividing bronchioles, feeding into alveoli.

Question 9

Function of Alveoli.

Answer 9

Microscopic sacs at the ends of the bronchiole. Alveoli are only a cell thick, surrounded by a network of capillaries that continually exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide and water.

Question 10

Describe the Pleura and its function.

Answer 10

Pleura:
- A membrane that covers each lung.
Function:
- Gap between lung tissue and pleura is filled with fluid, acting as lubricant.
- Aids lung expansion and contraction reduces friction between lungs and surrounding structures.

Question 11

Function of the Diaphragm.

Answer 11

• Contracts downward, expanding the chest cavity, allowing lungs to fill with air.
• Relaxes, shrinking the chest cavity, expelling air from the lungs.

Question 12

What is Ventilation.

Answer 12

The amount of air breathed in and out each minute.

V = TV x RR.

Question 13

What is Inspiration.

Answer 13

• Diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, pulling downward and outward.
• Size of chest cavity increases, pressure decreases, air rushes into the lungs to increase the pressure within the chest cavity.

Question 14

What is Expiration.

Answer 14

• Diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, size of the chest cavity decreases and pressure increases.
• Air is expelled from the lungs to reduce pressure within the chest cavity.

Question 15

What is diffusion.

Answer 15

The process of gaseous exchange.
The movement of molecules from a higher concentration to a lower concentration across a thin membrane.

Question 16

Describe gas exchange in the lungs.

Answer 16

Pulmonary diffusion:
- Air is inspired by the lungs and travels to the alveoli.
- The alveoli and surrounding capillaries have thin walls, allowing oxygen to diffuse from a higher concentration in the alveoli to a lower concentration in the red blood cells in the capillaries.
- The oxygen binds to haemoglobin on red blood cells to be transported around the body.
- Carbon dioxide diffuses from the capillaries into the alveoli to be breathed out through expiration.

Question 17

Describe gas exchange in the cells.

Answer 17

Cellular diffusion:
- Oxygenated blood is transported to muscles in response for demand for energy production.
- Low oxygen in muscles attract higher concentration of oxygen from the capillaries.
- Oxygen diffuses from the capillary into the muscle cells.
- Carbon dioxide diffuses from the muscle cell to the capillary to be transported to the alveoli.

Question 18

What is Total Lung Capacity.

Answer 18

The amount of air that can be held in the lungs after maximal inspiration.

Question 19

What is Vital Capacity.

Answer 19

The maximum amount of air that can be expired after maximum inspiration.

Question 20

What is Tidal Volume.

Answer 20

The amount of air inspired and expired with each breath.

Question 21

What is Residual Volume.

Answer 21

The amount of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal expiration.

Question 22

What is Inspiratory Reserve Capacity.

Answer 22

The amount of air that can be inspired after a normal inspiration.

Question 23

What is expiratory Reserve Capacity.

Answer 23

The amount of air that can be expired in addition to a normal expiration.

Question 24

What is Maximum Oxygen Uptake (VO2 Max).

Answer 24

The maximum amount of oxygen per minute that can be taken in, transported to and used by working muscles.

Question 25

Name some acute respiratory responses to exercise.

Answer 25

• Increased respiration rate
• Increased tidal volume
• Increased ventilation
• Increased oxygen uptake
• Increased efforts of intercostal muscles and diaphragm