The Respiratory system Flashcards
What is the function of the respiratory system?
To metabolize chemicals to give blood energy which is transferred to body systems through blood.
What is gaseous exchange?
The exchange of oxygen and CO2 across a cell membrane from a high to low concentration.
What is ventilation?
The flow of gas.
What is perfusion?
The flow of blood.
Describe the process of respiration.
(8 stages)
- The diaphragm contracts, creating negative pressure to suck gas down.
- Gas enters through the nose and mouth.
- Gas enters the trachea which divides into bronchi.
- Bronchi branch into bronchioles.
- Gas enters the alveoli.
- Gas exchange occurs.
- The diaphragm relaxes creating positive pressure, pushing gas upward.
- Waste products are exhaled.
What is the function of cilia?
To protect from infection.
How do cilia function?
By trapping pathogens, incorporating them into the mucus, and projecting it upwards.
How does speech occur?
The larynx uses flaps to control tone and pitch through passing air in between the muscles to produce sound.
what is the function of the epiglottis?
To stop food and fluid entering the lungs.
How does the epiglottis function?
It is made of a flap in the back of the throat that closes during swallowing but opens to allow the process of breathing.
Describe the process of inspiration.
Air pressure decreases, gas is sucked down as diaphragm contracts.
Describe to process of expiration.
Air is pushed upwards as air pressure increases in lunges as the diaphragm relaxes.
What is diffusion?
The concentration of gas across a cell membrane from a high concentration to a low concentration.
What is the function of the plural membranes?
To secure the lungs in place within the chest cavity, and ensure that the lungs remain expanded.
