Respiratory System Flashcards
Alveoli
Grape-like cluster of tiny sacs at the end of the bronchioles
Breathing
A physical process consisting of 2 steps: ventilation (movement of air in and out) and gas exchange (absorption of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide).
Bronchi
The two branches of the trachea
Bronchioles
subdivision of the bronchi (many tiny tubes)
Capillaries
Very small blood vessels. Involved in the exchange of gases and fluids, as well as warming up incoming air and liquid.
Carbon dioxide
CO2. One of the gases involved in the gas exchange. Breathed out.
Cartilage rings
Trachea is covered in them to prevent collapsing.
cellular respiration
metabolic (chemical) process where the body breaks down the oxygen, so the cells in the body can use it.
ciliated cells
Upper Respiratory Tract: they trap foreign particles and propel them to the back of the nose/throat so they can be expelled (sneezing/coughing).
concentration gradient
the difference in the number of molecules or ions of a substance in a given volume between adjoining areas
Counter-current flow
Water only flows over gills in one direction. This allows them to save energy and have the blood always having a lower O2 content than the water. This means that even while the blood is leaving the gills, it’s picking up oxygen from the water through diffusion.
Diaphragm
Muscle layer that separates thoracic cavity (chest) with abdominal cavity (lower).
Diffusion
when molecules or atoms move from an area of high concentration to low concentration
Epiglottis
Flap in the throat that prevents food from entering the trachea and lungs.
Esophagus
Leads to the digestive system. Shares space with the trachea.
Exhalation
Breath out
Expiratory Reserve Volume
additional amount of air expired from lungs with effort after normal exhalation
Gas exchange
Oxygen entering and carbon dioxide leaving cells.
Gills/gill membrane
gases are exchanged when water (containing O2) moves across gills and gill membranes. That’s how fish breathe.
Glottis
The middle part of the larynx; the area where the vocal cords are located.
Inhalation
Breath in. Inhaling air into lungs