The Respiratory System

Question 1

What are the 8 structures?

Answer 1

• Epiglottis
• Larynx
• Trachea
• Bronchus
• Bronchioles
• Intercostal Muscles
• Pleural Membranes
• Diaphragm

Question 2

Epiglottis?

Answer 2

Small, moveable “lid” above the larynx that stops food and drink from entering the windpipe.

Question 3

Larynx?

Answer 3

To protect the lower respiratory tract from aspirating food into the trachea whilst breathing; also contains the voicebox.

Question 4

Trachea?

Answer 4

Carries air in and out of the lungs, providing a pathway for oxygen to enter the body.

Question 5

Bronchus?

Answer 5

To carry air from your lungs, and help screen air for foreign particles.

Question 6

Bronchioles?

Answer 6

To carry air to small sacs in your lungs (alveoli), to perform gaseous exchange.

Question 7

Intercostal Muscles?

Answer 7

Assist with exhalation and moving the ribs and chest cavity back to their original position.

Question 8

Pleural Membranes?

Answer 8

Allow optimum expansion and contraction of the lungs during breathing.

Question 9

Diaphragm?

Answer 9

Upon inhalation, the diaphragm and contracts and flattens, and the chest cavity enlarges, creating a vacuum for air entry.

Question 10

What are the roles of the cartilage rings around the Trachea?

Answer 10

They prevent the trachea from caving in

Question 11

What are the 2 cells that are involved?

Answer 11

• Glandular: produces mucus, trapping dirt particles and any bacteria we breathe in.
• Cilia: microscopic hair-like extensions that beat back and forth.

Question 12

What happens during inspiration?

Answer 12

• The diaphragm contracts and flattens
• The volume thorax increases
• Decreases pressure (less than atmospheric pressure)
• Air sucked into lungs

Question 13

What happens during expiration?

Answer 13

• The diaphragm relaxes (domes)
• The volume thorax decreases
• Increases pressure (more than atmospheric pressure)
• Air forced out of lungs

Question 14

How are alveoli adapted for gaseous exchange?

Answer 14

• They are surrounded by capillary networks, meaning a short diffusion pathway.
• They have thin walls.

Question 15

What happens in gaseous exchange?

Answer 15

• Blood low in oxygen, and high in CO2 enters via the Pulmonary Artery.
• The CO2 diffuses from blood to be exhaled.
• Gases from the alveoli diffuse into the moist mucus lining of the capillary.
• The O2 gets transported around the body by RBCs.
• Oxygen diffuses into the blood, leaving through the Pulmonary Vein as more oxygenated than it had been upon entry.