Structure of the respiratory system LO2 Flashcards
What does the respiratory system consist of?
The larynx, trachea, bronchi and bronchioles, alveoli, diaphragm, intercostal muscles and pleural membranes
What is the larynx?
It connects the back of the nose and the trachea, forming an air passage to the lungs
What is the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles?
the trachea is also known as the windpipe. It starts at the back of the throat (pharynx) and divides into two bronchi, each leading into one of the lungs where they continue to divide to form smaller bronchioles. The trachea and bronchi are tubes that have rings of cartilage along their length to stop them collapsing so that an open passage for air is maintained. The rings are āCā-shaped in the trachea, with the gap at the back to allow food to travel down the oesophagus. The oesophagus needs to stretch as food passes down.
What is the alveoli?
At the end of the tiniest bronchioles are the microscopic alveoli. They are sacs found in clusters at the end of the bronchioles. A single sac is called an alveolus. Each alveolus is surrounded by a capillary network where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged through the alveolar membrane. There are about 300 million alveoli in your lungs.
What is the diaphragm?
This is a muscle anchored to the lower ribs that separates the chest from the abdomen.
What are the intercostal muscles?
These are the muscles found between the ribs
What are the pleural membranes?
Pleural membranes cover the outside of the lungs and line the inside of the chest wall
What is the role of pleural membranes?
the pleural membranes consist of two layers of thin membrane. They are moist and slippery, having a thin film of liquid between the two layers. This lubricates the surface so that the two pleural layers will slide over each other, allowing the lungs to move easily within the chest cavity. This means that they move with the chest wall as breathing occurs.
What is the role of the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles?
The function of the respiratory system is to deliver oxygen into the body by breathing in (inspiration) and to remove the waste carbon dioxide gas by breathing out (expiration)
What is the role of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles when breaking in?
when breathing in air (inspiration), the intercostal muscles pull the ribcage upwards and outwards and the diaphragm flattens inwards. The result of these two movements is an increase in volume and a decrease in pressure, which forces air into the lungs so that they inflate
What is the role of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles when breathing out?
when breathing out (expiration), the reverse happens; the diaphragm lifts bac into the dome shape and the intercostal muscles pull the ribcage inwards and downwards. These two movements force carbon dioxide out of the lungs and they deflate
