Midterm 2 - Respiratory Structure and Function Flashcards
what is the general respiratory function
gas transport for metabolism
what is the main function of the respiratory system
move oxygen from air into pulmonary blood
clearance of CO2
what do lungs receive and from where
receive 100% of the cardiac output from the right heart
what are non-respiratory functions of the respiratory system
filter blood
chemical processing
maintenance and defences
important to maintain blood pH
what does the respiratory system facilitate (non-respiratory)
venous return (respiratory pump)
what is respiration
the entire process = interchanges of gases between the atmosphere and the cells of the body
what are the 3 steps of respiration
- ventilation (breathing)
- gas exchange
- cellular respiration
what is ventilation
transport of air to and from lungs
what is gas exchange
O2/CO2 exchange between the air in the lungs and cells in the body (movement of gas across barrier)
what is cellular respiration
oxidation of cellular molecules that produces CO2, water and ATP (O2 uptake and metabolism)
what is occurring when air is transported through airways from the atmosphere to the respiratory zone of the lungs
ventilation
what are airways a system of
tubular structures
what are the airways in order
- nasal/oral cavities
- pharynx and larynx
- trachea
- bronchi
- bronchioles
what do bronchioles connect to
alveoli - gas exchange
what does the trachea split into
bronchi
what do the bronchi split into
bronchioles
main function of the airways
delivering gas to the respiratory zone (alveoli)
conditioning inhaled air
what are 3 types of conditioning inhaled air that the airways are responsible for
air warmed to core body temp
gas humidification
filtration, cleansing
why does the air have to be warmed to the core body temp
prevents temp choc in the alveoli
how do the airways humidify gas
saturate with vapour
why do the airways humidify gas
to prevent dehydration of the respiratory epithelium in alveoli
why do the airways filtrate and cleanse air
to prevent foreign objects and microorganisms to enter the lungs which reduces the risk of injury and infection
what is the inner surface of the nasal/oral cavities
mucous membrane that warms and humidifies air
what is the first spot for air conditioning
nasal/oral cavities