Breathing System Flashcards
(32 cards)
Why do humans breathe?
To ensure CO2 is removed from the body, allow oxygen into the body, and help us to speak.
What is the function of the nose/mouth in the breathing system?
Air is taken into the body here. The nose is lined with cilia to prevent entry of microorganisms.
What is the trachea?
The windpipe that allows air to travel from the mouth to the lungs and has rings of cartilage for support.
What is a bronchus?
One of the two tubes that connect the lungs with the trachea.
What are bronchioles?
The name of the pipes when the bronchus divides into smaller pipes within the lungs.
What is the function of the ribs?
Bones located outside of the lungs to protect them.
What is the function of the larynx?
Muscles (vocal cords) that enable speech through vibrations.
What is the epiglottis?
A flap of tissue that prevents food from entering the trachea.
What is the diaphragm?
Muscles that move up and down to increase/decrease the thoracic volume during breathing.
What are intercostal muscles?
Muscles between the ribs that help with the movement of the lungs.
What is the plural membrane?
A fluid membrane located between the ribs and lungs that reduces friction.
What is the movement of air during breathing?
Air enters through the nose, moves through the trachea into the bronchus, then into the bronchiole, and finally arrives at the alveolus where gas exchange occurs.
How do we prevent microorganisms from entering the lungs?
The nose is lined with cilia that trap pathogens, and WBCs in the alveoli engulf and destroy bacteria.
What happens during gas exchange in the alveoli?
Oxygen diffuses into the bloodstream while CO2 diffuses out from the plasma into the alveolus.
What is diffusion?
The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration; a passive process.
What is passive transport?
A process that does not require energy, such as diffusion.
What is the role of alveoli?
Gas exchange.
What are the adaptations of the alveoli?
Very thin walls, moist, and numerous.
What is the process of inhalation?
The brain sends a message to the intercostal muscles and diaphragm, which contract, pulling the ribs up and out and moving the diaphragm down, increasing chest cavity volume and decreasing pressure.
What is the process of exhalation?
Intercostal muscles and diaphragm relax, ribs move down, and diaphragm moves up, decreasing chest cavity volume and increasing internal pressure.
Why do we breathe?
To prevent CO2 levels from becoming too high in our blood, which can make it acidic.
What is an involuntary reflex action?
Breathing is an involuntary reflex action, responding to the environment without conscious control.
What disorders are associated with the breathing system?
Asthma, caused by irritants like dust and pollen, leading to narrow bronchioles and shortness of breath.
What is the impact of smoking on the breathing system?
Increases CO2 levels due to cigarette smoke, leading to an increased breathing rate.
