Respiratory System Flashcards
The main function of the respiratory system
- Supply oxygen to body
- Remove carbon dioxide from body
Breathing
The flow of air in and out of the lungs
Tube through which air flows to the lungs
Trachea
Passageway of air into the lungs
- Nostrils/ mouth
- Pharynx
- Larynx
- Trachea
- Bronchi
- Bronchioles
- Alveoli
Tube through which air flows into each lung
Bronchi
Tiny hollow microscopic cavities where gaseous exchange takes place in the lungs
Alveoli
Alveoli are surrounded by these for efficient gaseous exchange
Capillaries
Gaseous exchange
The exchange of gases between:
- The lungs and blood
- The blood and cells
Two processes involved in breathing
- Inhalation
- Exhalation
How inhalation occurs
- Muscles of thorax contract
- Air pressure in lungs drops
- Air is drawn in
How exhalation works
- Muscles of thorax relax
- Air pressure in lungs increases
- Air is forced out
The gases involved in gaseous exchange in the lungs
Oxygen - diffuses from alveoli into blood stream
Carbon dioxide - diffuses from blood stream into alveoli
Respiration
The use of oxygen to convert glucose into energy.
Carbon dioxide, water and energy are all released as products
Word equation for respiration
Oxygen + Glucose -> Carbon dioxide + Water + Energy
Four health issues related to the respiratory system
- Asthma
- Lung cancer
- Bronchitis
- Asbestosis
