Structure of the Gas Exchange System Flashcards
where is the gas exchange system located?
in the thorax (upper part of the body)
when we breathe in where does air pass through?
the trachea
how is the trachea adapted to help gas exchange?
the tube is surrounded by C-shaped rings of cartilage - these keep the trachea open but make swallowing easier
what are the two tubes that split from the trachea called?
bronchi (the bronchi are also surrounded by cartilage rings)
what do the bronchi divide into?
smaller tubes called bronchioles (these carry air deep into the thorax)
where does gas exchange happen?
in the alevoli
what is at the end of each bronchiole?
an alveoli
what are the lungs surrounded by and how does it help them?
pleural membrane
- this forms a double layer between the lungs and thorax walls
- in between membranes there is a thin layer of pleural fluid
- together they form an air tight seal and prevent the lungs from sticking to the thorax wall as they inflate and deflate
what do the ribs do?
help protect the organs in the thorax
what do intercostal muscles do?
help connect the bones and are important in moving air into and out of the lungs
where are intercostal muscles located?
between the ribs
where is the diaphragm located?
below the lungs, separating the organs of the thorax and the abdomen
how is the diaphragm shaped?
as a domed sheet of muscle and fibrous tissue
