The Respiritory System Flashcards
What is the function of the respiratory system?
Gas exchange
Inhale oxygen into the blood
Exhale carbon dioxide
What are the structures of the respiratory system?
- Nasal chambers
- Pharynx and larynx
- Trachea
- Bronchi
- Bronchioles
- Alveoli
- Lungs
- Diaphragm
Nasal chamber
Large air filled space containing turbinate bones and mucus epithelial.
Ciliated (tiny hairs)
Protects nasal passage
Helps gas exchange
What do the turbinate bones do?
Creates folds in the cavity
This slows air flow which increases temperature and humidity
What is the mucus epithelium?
A layer of the nasal chamber that secretes a mucus that protects the body from irritants
What is the pharynx?
Connects the nose and mouth to the larynx. Transports both air and food (dual function)
What is the larynx?
Connects pharynx and trachea
Directs air into the trachea
What is the Epiglottis?
Flap that closes when swallowing
What is the structure of the trachea?
Held open by c shaped discs of cartilage
Flexible to allow neck movement
Ciliated (microscopic hairs) epithelial cells
Goblet cells (mainly secretes mucus)
What does the trachea do?
Directs air into the lungs
What do the bronchi do?
Direct air into each lung
What is the structure of the bronchi?
C-shaped cartilage rings
Smooth muscle
Open to allow more air in
Branches into bronchioles (smaller passages)
What are the bronchioles?
Smaller passages of the bronchi that direct air into the alveoli
What are the alveoli?
Site of gas exchange between carbon dioxide and oxygen
End of the bronchioles
What adaptations do the alveoli have?
Large surface area to speed up diffusion
Moist walls to help the gasses dissolve and exchange through the surface
Thin walls so gases can quickly diffuse through it
Large network of capillaries to maintain the concentration gradient between the blood and respiratory system
