The Respiratory System Flashcards
What are the pleural membranes?
The membranes that surround the lungs
What is the function of intercostal muscles?
They assist in the process of breathing
What space is occupied by the heart?
The thoracic cavity
What is the muscular part of the diaphragm responsible for?
It aids in respiration
What are alveoli?
Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs
What is a bronchiole?
A small airway in the lungs that leads to alveoli
Arrange the following for the correct passage of air: larynx, nose, trachea, pharynx, alveoli, bronchioles, bronchi.
nose → pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli
True or False: Alveoli are responsible for the exchange of gases between the lungs and blood.
True
What process describes the movement of gas molecules from high to low concentration?
Diffusion
What is the significance of the thin walls of alveoli?
They provide a short diffusion pathway
What are the two layers of cells from the air in the alveoli to the blood?
Alveolar epithelium and capillary endothelium
What enhances the gas exchange in alveoli?
An extensive capillary network
Fill in the blank: The alveoli have a _______ surface area because there are millions of alveoli in each lung.
huge
What mnemonic can help remember the structure of alveoli?
BOG where B stands for big surface area, O for one cell thick, and G for good blood supply.
