The respiratory system: Flashcards
Main functions of the resp. system:
- Supply body with continuous supply of oxygen
- And to remove CO2 produced by cells via respiration
4 Processes involved in respiration:
Pulmonary ventilation: Movement of air in and out of lungs
External respiration: Gas exchange between blood and air
Transport of respiratory gases: between lungs and cells
Internal respiration: Gas exchange between blood and cells
Respiratory system made up of:
- Tubes by which air reaches the lungs
2. Respiratory surfaces (alveoli)
Respiratory organs:
- Air enters the respiratory system via the nose and then passes
through the nasal cavity. - Linking with the nasal cavity are paranasal sinuses.
- From there, the air goes into the pharynx (pipe at back of
throat) and then into the larynx and trachea. - Then passes into the bronchi and their smaller branches (in the
lungs) and then ultimately into the alveoli.
Classifications of airways:
Upper airways and lower airways
Upper airways:
> Nose
Pharynx
Associated structures.
Lower airways:
> Larynx
Trachea
Bronchi
Lungs
Divided into:
Conducting zone:
Respiratory zone:
Conducting zone:
> Respiratory passageways that convey air
> Filter, humidify and warm incoming air
Respiratory zone:
> Site of gas exchange in lungs
> Includes respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts and alveolar sacs.