The Lungs Flashcards
What system are the lungs part of?
The respiratory system.
What is the trachea made of?
Rings of cartilage.
What does the trachea split off into?
Bronchi (bronchus - singular)
Passageways that connect trachea to lungs.
Features of the trachea and bronchi…
Contain goblet cells that produce mucus.
Bronchi - sends air to lungs.
What does mucus do?
Causes harmful bacteria and dirt to stick to it, and will be wafted by cilia towards the mouth.
What does the bronchi split into?
Bronchioles - deliver air to the alveoli
What is the alveoli responsible for?
Gas exchange - movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Features of alveoli…
Large conc. gradient - blood movement and amount of CO2 + O2 being diffused.
Large SA - faster rate of diffusion
1 cell thick - only passes 2 cell layers (short diffusion distance)
Moist walls - gas has dissolved
Oily surfactant - stops alveoli sticking
What is ventilation?
The movement of air in and out of the lungs.
Inhalation and expiration are…
Aspects of breathing…
Inhalation - air in
Expiration - air out
What does the diaphragm do when you breathe in and out?
Contract and relax.
What will a diaphragm that contracts do?
Flatten, creates large vol. in the thorax, lowers pressure in lungs.
What will a diaphragm that relaxes do?
Thorax vol. is smaller, increases pressure in lungs.
Name of the amount of air INSPIRED?
Total lung capacity.
Greatest vol. expelled after deep breath?
Vital capacity.
