Physiology Flashcards
Functions of the respiratory system
Deliver O2 to the cells
Remove waste gases
Protect your airways from harmful substances and irritants
What two parts is the respiratory system split into
Upper and lower
Which structures make up the upper respiratory tract
Nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx
What structures make up the lower respiratory tract
Trachea, Bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli and alveolar ducts
Which of the lungs is bigger (why)
Right lung because the heart is on the left
What muscle separates the thoracic and abdominal cavity
Diaphragm
List the structures of the respiratory tract in order
Nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchus, bronchioles, alveoli, alveolar ducts
What structure allows the alveoli to expand
Elastic fibres
Why is it important alveoli expand
To increase surface area
What is a conducting zone
All the structures that air must pass through to reach the lungs
What is a respiratory zone
The site of gas exchange (alveoli)
What is the diameter of an alveoli
0.2mm
Roughly how many alveoli are there
8 million sacs (300 million alveoli)
What 3 structures make up respiratory epithelium
Goblet cells, lumen, cilia
What is e role of goblet cells
To produce mucus