Respritory System Flashcards
What’s the function of the Respiratory System?
To allow for the exchange of gases between blood & atmosphere
What is the nasal cavity lined with?
Tiny hairs called cilia & a thick mucous membrane
What does cilia do?
Filters out debris in air & sweeps it towards pharynx
What does mucous membrane do?
Traps the debris and helps to moisten the air.
What does the pharynx acts as?
A passage for both food and air.
Where does the pharynx empty out into?
The trachea (windpipe) and the esophagus.
What is the Epiglottis?
Flap-like structure that prevents food/liquids from entering the trachea when swallowing.
What is the trachea?
A passageway for air to and from the lungs.
What is the trachea composed of?
Circular cartilage rings separated by muscle tissue.
What is a bronchi?
Two air passageways that branch off the trachea.
What are bronchioles?
The smallest passageways for air to and from the lungs.
What are bronchioles composed of?
Smooth muscle (no cartilage rings).
How many lobes is the large right lung composed of?
3
How many lobes is the left lung composed of?
2
What is the smooth membrane the lungs are covered by called & what does it do?
Visceral pleural & It attaches to the chest wall and reduces friction between these surfaces.
