The Respiratory System(Ch.2 Sec.3) Flashcards
What is the primary function of the lungs?
The site of gas exchange between the atmosphere and the blood
How many lobes does the right lung have?
Three lobes
How many lobes does the left lung have?
Two lobes
Where are the lungs located?
Inside the thoracic cavity, bounded by the rib cage and the diaphragm
What are pleura?
Membranes that line the thoracic cavity and cover the lungs
What is the function of the pleura?
Secretes a slippery fluid that decreases friction during breathing
What begins external respiration?
Air entering through the mouth and nose
What role do the small hairs in the nose play?
Filter air entering the nasal cavity
What do mucous membranes in the nasal cavity do?
Warm and moisten the air
Why is it important to warm and moisten the air?
To prevent damage to the delicate tissues of the respiratory system
What are cilia in the nasal cavity responsible for?
Trapping inhaled particles and sweeping them into the throat
Fill in the blank: The lungs are located inside the _______ cavity.
thoracic
True or False: The left lung is heavier than the right lung.
False
What is the function of the nasal cavity?
It moisten and filters air before it moves to the throat
The nasal cavity is the first part of the respiratory system that air passes through.
What are bronchioles?
Small tubes within the lungs that branch from the bronchi
They are lined with cilia and mucus.
What are capillaries?
Tiny blood vessels that surround each alveolus
They allow for gas exchange between the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
What is the pharynx?
A tube at the back of the nasal cavities and the mouth
It contains passageways for both food and air.
What is the role of the epiglottis?
To cover the opening to the air passage when food is swallowed
It ensures that food does not enter the trachea.
What is the larynx?
The voice box located at the upper end of the trachea
It produces sound when air is forced past the vocal cords.
What is the trachea?
The windpipe that connects the larynx to the bronchi
It is about 10 to 12 cm long and lined with ciliated cells.
What are the two main branches of the trachea called?
Bronchi
Each bronchus leads to a lung.
What is the function of the alveoli?
To facilitate gas exchange in the lungs
They are the functional units of the respiratory system.
How many alveoli are typically found in a healthy lung?
Nearly 300 million alveoli
This contributes to a total surface area of about 70 m².
Fill in the blank: The trachea branches into two _______ that lead to the lungs.
bronchi
