Resp. System Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is the purpose of the respiratory system?
The respiratory system supplies the body’s cells with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.
What do all cells of the body need for respiration?
All cells need oxygen to get energy from nutrients and produce carbon dioxide as a waste product.
What are the main components of the respiratory system?
The main components include air passages, lungs, respiratory muscles, and the respiratory control center in the brain.
What is the function of the nasal cavities?
Nasal cavities purify inhaled air and ensure it remains moist.
What structures are found in the nasal cavities?
Nasal cavities contain blood vessels, mucous glands, and cilia.
What do mucous membranes and cilia do?
Mucous membranes trap dust particles and micro-organisms, while cilia sweep them away from the lungs.
What is the pharynx?
The pharynx is a combined opening through which air passes to the larynx and food moves to the oesophagus.
What is the larynx?
The larynx, or voice box, houses vocal cords that produce sound when air passes over them.
What is the trachea?
The trachea, or windpipe, is a cylindrical tube approximately 11 cm long and 2 cm in diameter.
What keeps the trachea open?
The walls of the trachea are strengthened by C-shaped cartilage rings.
What are bronchi?
Bronchi are the divisions of the trachea into left and right bronchus.
What are bronchioles?
Bronchioles are fine tubules formed from bronchi that reach every part of the lung.
What are the external structures of the lungs?
The lungs are two spongy, elastic organs protected by the vertebral column, ribs, and sternum.
Why is the left lung smaller than the right lung?
The left lung is smaller to make space for the heart in the thoracic cavity.
What is the internal structure of the lungs?
Bronchi enter the lungs and branch to form bronchioles, which terminate in alveoli.
What are alveoli?
Alveoli are air sacs surrounded by a network of small capillaries.
