Unit 7 - Respiratory System Flashcards
Name the 13 parts of the respiratory system
The nasal sinus
Pharynx/throat
Epiglottis
Larynx
Trachea
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Alveoli
Diaphragm
Ribs and muscles
Medulla oblongata
Pleural membranes
Pneumothorax
Why is the left lung smaller?
Because it needs to make room for the heart
What is the nasal sinus surrounded by?
A lot of capillary beds and mucus glands
What does the nasal sinus do?
It has things to keep us safe. Prevents debris and other things from going into your system
What do nose hairs do?
With the aid of mucus the hairs filter and trap debris. The debris is discharged through the nose
What do WBCs do in the nasal sinus?
Recognize and destroy foreign objects
What do histamines do in the nasal sinus?
They are released as an allergic response when foreign irritants are encountered. Causes a runny nose
What is the pharynx?
A common passageway for air and food
What is the epiglottis?
A flap of tissue that covers the top of the trachea when swallowing to ensure that food enters the esophagus and not the lungs
What does the larynx do?
When the epiglottis is opened, air is able to pass through the larynx and into the trachea.
What does the larynx contain?
Vocal cords (two tendons that adjust the pitch of sounds according to how taut they are)
What happens to the larynx when a male goes through puberty?
The larynx and vocal cords grow larger. It sticks out at the throat (Adam’s Apple)
What is the trachea?
The windpipe
What is the passageway of the trachea held open by?
C-shaped rings of cartilage
What does the trachea do?
It conducts air into the bronchi.
What filters air as it moves through the trachea? How?
Cilia and mucus. The mucus traps the dirt and other particles. The cilia push it to the back of the throat so we swallow it into our digestive system.
What 3 things happen to air on its way to the alveoli?
- Adjusted to body temp
- Adjusted to 100% humidity
- Cleansed of debris
What temp is air when it arrives at the alveoli and has been in contact with many tissues?
37 degrees Celsius
What happens to the humidity of air as it is inhaled?
It is passed over the mucus passageways and it becomes saturated with water, making it more humid
How is air cleansed of debris when inhaling?
Nose hairs and mucus in the nasal cavities
Mucus and cilia in trachea and bronchi
What does the trachea split into?
Two bronchi
What do bronchi do?
They take the air into each lung
What do bronchi branches have around them?
Cartilage.
Where does the bronchi conduct air into?
Into smaller branching passageways called bronchioles
What are bronchioles?
Branching passageways that carry air to its ultimate destination, the alveoli
What are alveoli?
Blind sac-like endings at the end of the bronchioles
How many alveoli are in the human lung approx.?
700,000 alveoli
What is the alveoli a site for?
Site of gas exchange
What happens to O2 and CO2 in the alveoli?
O2 leaves the alveoli and moves into the blood to be taken around the body. CO2 does the opposite and is breathed out.
Why are alveoli so special?
Numerous
Thin walls
Stretch receptors
Moist
Very rich
Lined with lipoproteins
Why are there so many alveoli?
It provides more surface area for gases to be exchanged
How thick are the walls of alveoli?
One cell thick
What do stretch receptors do in alveoli?
They signal when the alveoli are full enough (stretched). They send a message to the brain to start exhalation
How does alveoli being moist help?
Helps with gas exchange
What do alveoli have a close association with?
With many blood capillaries so oxygen and carbon dioxide can be exchanged efficiently
How does a layer of lipoproteins in the alveoli help?
Maintains surface tension, preventing them from collapsing and sticking together during exhalation
What is the diaphragm?
A sheet of muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity.
What does the diaphragm do when you inhale?
It moves down