Respiratory Sytem & Lymphatics and Immunity Flashcards
Repeat until the terms are mastered!
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
To acquire oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the blood.
What are the two main regions of the respiratory system?
The upper respiratory tract (nose to larynx) and the lower respiratory tract (trachea to alveoli).
What is the conducting zone of the respiratory system?
The structures from the nose to the smallest air tubes in the lungs, where ventilation occurs.
What is the respiratory zone?
The part of the lungs where gas exchange occurs, including the alveoli and respiratory bronchioles.
What is the function of the diaphragm in respiration?
It contracts to enlarge the thoracic cavity for inspiration and relaxes for expiration.
What is the role of the nasal cavity in respiration?
It serves as a passageway for air, filters, warms, and humidifies the air, and contains the olfactory epithelium.
What is the larynx, and what are its functions?
The larynx, or voice box, maintains an open airway, prevents food from entering the trachea, and produces sound.
What is the role of the vocal cords in sound production?
The true vocal cords vibrate as air passes through them, producing sound.
How does the trachea maintain its structure?
The trachea is reinforced with C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings that keeps the airway open.
What are alveoli, and why are they important?
Alveoli are small air-filled chambers in the lungs where gas exchange occurs between the air and blood.
What is the purpose of surfactant in the lungs?
Surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing lung collapse during expiration.
What is the function of pleural fluid?
It lubricates the pleural membranes, reducing friction and holding them together during breathing.
How is oxygen transported in the blood?
Oxygen binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells and is transported through the bloodstream.
What is the primary difference between tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume?
Tidal volume is the normal amount of air inhaled or exhaled with each breath, while inspiratory reserve volume is the extra air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation.
What is the function of the bronchioles in the lungs?
Bronchioles are smaller air passageways that regulate airflow into the alveoli and allow for bronchoconstriction and bronchodilation.
What is the importance of the carina in the respiratory system?
The carina is the ridge where the trachea divides into the primary bronchi and is sensitive to mechanical stimulation, triggering a strong cough reflex.
What are the main muscles involved in respiration?
The diaphragm, external intercostals, and accessory muscles like the scalene and pectoralis minor muscles.
What causes bronchoconstriction?
Contraction of smooth muscles around the bronchioles reduces airflow.
What is vital capacity in pulmonary function?
Vital capacity is the maximum volume of air that can be expelled from the lungs after a deep inhalation.
What is the significance of minute ventilation?
Minute ventilation is the total volume of air moved into and out of the lungs per minute, calculated as tidal volume times respiratory rate.
What are the two primary components of the lymphatic system?
The network of lymphatic vessels and lymphoid tissues/organs like lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen, and thymus.
What is the function of the lymphatic system?
Fluid balance, lipid absorption, and defense against microorganisms and foreign substances.
What does lymph consist of?
Interstitial fluid once it has entered the lymphatic vessels.
Which organs are part of the lymphatic system?
Lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, tonsils, and lymphoid tissues.
