The Breathing System Flashcards
What is the journey of oxygen through your lungs, starting from the trachea?
Trachea, bronchi into separate bronchus into each lung, bronchioles and finally alveoli
What separates the thorax (top part of your body) and the abdomen (lower part of your body)?
The diaphragm
What does the thorax contain?
The lungs
What is ventilation?
The movement of air into and out of the lungs
What happens to the intercostal muscles and diaphragm when you breathe in?
They contract
What happens to the intercostal muscles and diaphragm when you breathe out?
They relax
When you breathe in, the thorax volume increases, what happens to the pressure?
The pressure decreases meaning air is drawn in
When you breathe out, the thorax volume decreases, what happens to the pressure?
The pressure increases meaning air is forced out
What is a ventilator?
Machines that move air into or out of lungs of people who can’t breathe by themselves
What did ventilators used to be called?
An iron lung
What happens in the lungs?
Transfer of oxygen to the blood and the removal of waste carbon dioxide from the blood
What takes place in the alveoli?
Gas exchange
How are alveoli specialised to maximise diffusion?
An enormous surface area, moist lining to dissolve gases, very thin walls and a good blood supply
What surrounds the alveoli?
A capillary network
