The Respiratory System Flashcards
Pathway of oxygen:
Air enters the nose/mouth, air travels down the trachea, trachea divides into 2 tubes called bronchi, bronchi divide into smaller bronchioles and at the end of the bronchiole are tiny sacs called alveoli.
What are the two main functions of the respiratory system:
To transport oxygen into the body and to remove carbon dioxide and other waste products out of the body.
Define gaseous exchange:
The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the alveoli.
Define epiglottis:
Prevents food going into your lungs.
Mechanics of breathing: to breath in:
Intercostal muscles contract, diaphragm contracts and flattens, this makes chest cavity larger.
Mechanics of breathing: to breath out:
Intercostal muscles and diaphragm relax, makes chest cavity smaller and increases air pressure.
Where is the highest concentration of oxygen?
In the capillary
Where does gaseous exchange take place?
From alveoli to capillary and visa versa
( both ways )
Which is the best characteristic of the internal environment of the alveoli walls?
Moist
How do the alveoli assist in gaseous exchange?
- They are one cell thick so the diffusion distance is small so efficient
- Large surface area allow them to diffuse into capillary’s at a higher rate
What is tidal volume?
Breathing at rest, normal inhalation
What happens to tidal volume when exercise starts?
Tidal volume increases as breathing depth increases.
What is residual volume?
The amount of air that remains in the lungs after maximal exhalation.
What happens to residual volume during exercise?
Stays the same
What is expiratory reserve volume?
The extra air that can be breathed out on top of tidal volume- forceful exhale
What is inspiratory reserve volume?
The extra air taken in on top of tidal volume- forceful inhalation
