The Respiratory System Flashcards
what areas are involved in the Respiratory System
-Nasal Cavity -Larynx
-Mouth -Pharynx
-Lungs -Trachea
-Right Bronchi -Left Bronchi
-Bronchioles -Alveoli
-Diaphragm -Epiglottis
-Internal Intercostal Muscles
-External Intercostal Muscles
Nasal Cavity
We breathe air in, Hairs filter out the dust
Pharynx
Connects the Nasal Cavity with the Larynx, it is a pathway for air and food
Larynx
Known as the voice box, contains vocal cords, it connects the Pharynx with the Trachea
Trachea
Known as our windpipe, 12cm long, rigid rings of cartilage prevent collapse
Epiglottis
Small flap of cartilage, closes over the top of the Trachea when you swallow food, prevents food travelling to your lungs
Lungs
-Your lungs are the organ that allows oxygen to be drawn into the body.
-The paired right and left lungs occupy most of the Thoracic Cavity.
-They Extend down the Diaphragm
Bronchi
-The Bronchi branch of the Trachea and carry air to the lungs
Bronchioles
Small airways that extend from the Bronchi to small clusters of thin walled air sacs, This is known as alveoli
The Alveoli
-They are the site of gaseous exchange
-Oxygen is diffused through the alveoli into the blood capillary
-Carbon dioxide is diffused from the blood capillary, into the alveoli
Characteristics of the Alveoli
- One cell thick
- Short diffusion pathway
- Semi-permeable membrane
- Good blood supply
- Small in size, large in amount
- Big surface area
The Diaphragm
A flat Muscle, located beneath the lungs. It supports the mechanics of breathing. Drawing in air(Oxygen). Breathing out air(Carbon Dioxide)
Internal Intercostals
Lie inside the ribcage they draw the ribs downwards and inwards. Decreasing the volume of the chest cavity, forcing air out the lungs when breathing out
External Intercostals
Muscles lie outside the ribcage. They pull the ribs upwards and outwards. Increasing the volume of the chest cavity and drawing air into the lungs when breathing in
How does the Diaphragm move when we inspire?
the diaphragm contracts and pulls
How does the Diaphragm move when we expire?
the diaphragm relaxes
The alveoli are a site for what process?
gaseous exchange
What flap of cartilage closes over the top of the trachea when swallowing?
Epiglottis
3 characteristics of the alveoli
- One cell thick
- Short diffusion pathway
- Semi-permeable membrane
- Good blood supply
- Small in size, large in amount
- Big surface area
Internal intercostals move the ribs?
move the ribs down and in
External intercostals move the ribs?
move the ribs upwards and out
How does the movement of the diaphragm and internal intercostals enable effective expiration?
Diaphragm rises into a dome shape and internal intercostals move the ribs down and in. this creates a smaller space inside the thoracic cavity and a higher pressure. air then moves down the concentration gradient(high to low) and we breathe in
How does the movement of the diaphragm and external intercostals enable effective inspiration?
Diaphragm contracts and pulls flat and external intercostals move the ribs up and out. this creates a bigger space inside the thoracic cavity and a lower pressure. air then moves down the concentration gradient(high to low) and we breathe in
How does oxygen move during gaseous exchange?
Oxygen moves from the alveoli to the bloodstream