Respiratory Systems Flashcards
Mechanical Respiration
This describes the process of inspiration and the diffusion of oxygen from the lungs to the blood and carbon dioxide from the blood into the alveoli.
Cellular Respiration
This represents the process in which cells derive energy from the breakdown of organic molecules in the presence of oxygen.
The Respiratory System consists of:
Nose Pharynx Larynx Trachea Bronchi and Bronchioles Alveoli
Nose
Inspired air enters the respiratory system through the nostrils or external nares.
This air then leads to the nasal cavity, divided by a cartilaginous septum into the left and right chambers.
The outside of the nose is protected by a pad of epidermis consisting of a thick layer of Stratified Squamous Epithelium.
Right and left chambers have fine scrolls of bone called turbinate bones.
Chambers are highly vascular and lined with ciliated mucous epithelial tissue- filters dust and other foreign matter.
Frontal and Maxillary Sinuses
Sinus- air filled cavity within a bone.
They are lined with ciliated mucous epithelium
Their function is to lighten the weight of the skull and allowing the area of the skull used for muscle attachment to be larger.
It is also an area for heat exchange and sites for mucous secretion.
Pharynx
Located at the back of the mouth, involved with the respiratory and digestible system.
It is divided into three parts:
- Nasopharynx -continues the nasal cavity also lined with ciliated mucous epithelium.
- Oropharynx- Lies toward the back of the tonsil, moves up and down during swallowing to prevent food entering the respiratory tract.
- Laryngopharynx- forms the caudal part , leads to the larynx.
Larynx
Hollow box like structure consisting of cartilage, mucous, fibrous tissue and ciliated mucous membranes.
Function:
- Provide the means of vocalisation.
- Control the flow of inspired gases during breathing.
- Prevent entry of solid particles into the trachea.
Trachea
From the Larynx the air passes through the Trachea.
The Trachea is a long tube composed of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue.
The Trachea runs from the larynx and then branches off to form the bronchi which supply the left and right lung.
The Trachea is lined with ciliated mucous epithelium so any foreign material can be moved up to the Pharynx to then be swallowed.
Bronchi & Bronchioles
The Trachea divides into the left and right bronchi.
Once the bronchi enters the lungs they branch of into smaller and smaller branches (like a tree)
When the cartilaginous tissue disappears they then become bronchioles.
Bronchi and Bronchioles allows a greater amount of air to be passed to the lungs when needs for example in exercise.
The Bronchioles continue and become smaller passages known as the Alveolar ducts.
Alveolar Ducts and the Alveoli
The Alveolar ducts becomes a sac.
Each sac contains a large number of alveoli which are smaller, thin- walled sacs surrounded by a capillary network called the pulmonary membrane.
This allows gaseous exchange with the blood to take place.
There are million of alveoli in the lungs and they provide a large surface area for gaseous exchange.
Lungs and Pleural Membrane
Protected by the ribs and intercostal muscles.
They are divided into lobes.
The lungs are a spongy tissue which consists of air channels, blood vessels and connective tissue.
The right has four lobes and the left has three.
The pulmonary pleura is a serous membrane that covers the lungs.
This is essential to provide smooth movement between the lungs and thoracic wall.
Mechanism of Respiration
2 phases:
- Inspiration- breathing air in, the diaphragm contracts and pulls air in.
- Expiration- breathing air out, the diaphragm relaxes cause the air to be pushed out.
Muscles used for breathing
The lungs do not contain any muscle tissue and cannot expand on its own.
Muscles near the lungs help expand and contract the lungs to allow breathing.
These muscles include:
- Diaphragm
- Intercostal Muscles
- Abdominal Muscles
- Muscles in the neck and collarbone area.
