Unit 3: The Respiratory System Flashcards
What are the components of the respiratory system?
The nose, mounth, pharynx, epiglottis, trachea, larynx, bronchi, lungs, alveoli
What is the function of the respiratory system?
to supply the body with oxygen, and expunge waste.
What is the structure of the pharynx?
The nasopharynx lies superior to the oropharynx, and divides into the trachea and esophagus at the inferior end.
What is the function of the pharynx?
air passes through the pharynx during expiration and inspiration
What is the larynx?
the vocal cords are housed here
What is the trachea?
a cartiledge tube that bridges the pharynx and the dividing bronchi
What are the lungs?
Structures comprised of brochioles, supporting the alveoli where gas exchange occurs with the blood.
What is lung compliance?
The ability of the lungs to change in fluid volume
What is resistance?
Air flow in and out of the lungs, measured based pressure differences dependent on how clear the airway is
How does blood carry oxygen?
Blood carries oxygen in red blood cells attached to an iron rich protein called hemoglobin
How does inspiration work?
The diaphragm and the intercostal muscles contract, this causes the throacic cavity to increase in volume, this creates a low pressure system in the body compared to the outside atmosphere, so air rushes in. oxygen reaches the alveoli, gas exchange oocurs,
How does expiration Work?
The diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, causing the thoracic cavity to decrease in volume, this creates a high pressure system in the lungs, relative to the atmospheres pressure. so air and waste product rushes out.
