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AQA A Level PE > Respiratory System > Flashcards

Respiratory System Flashcards

(74 cards)

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1
Q

What is respiration?

A

The taking in of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide

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2
Q

What is the passage of air?

A
  1. Nose/mouth
  2. Pharynx
  3. Larynx
  4. Trachea
  5. Bronchus
  6. Bronchioles
  7. Alveoli
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3
Q

Describe how you inhale

A
  • intercostal muscles contract and pull rib cage up and out
  • diaphragm contracts causing it to flatten
  • thoracic cavity gets larger causing pressure in the lungs to decrease
  • air moves into the lungs from the higher outside pressure
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4
Q

Describe how you exhale

A
  • intercostal muscles relax and so rib cage falls down and in
  • diaphragm relaxes pushing up into a dome shape
  • thoracic cavity gets smaller and so pressure in the lungs increases
  • air flows out of the lungs
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5
Q

What is the definition of tidal volume?

A

Volume of air breathed in or out per breath

Tidal volume is crucial for understanding respiratory mechanics.

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6
Q

What is inspiratory reserve volume?

A

Volume of air that can be forcibly inhaled after a normal breath

This is important for assessing lung capacity during deep breathing.

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7
Q

What is expiratory reserve volume?

A

Volume of air that can be forcibly expired after a normal breath

This helps in determining the efficiency of lung function.

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8
Q

What is residual volume?

A

Volume of air that remains in the lungs after maximum expiration

Residual volume prevents lung collapse.

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9
Q

What does minute ventilation refer to?

A

Volume of air breathed in or out per minute

It is a key measure of respiratory rate and depth.

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10
Q

What happens to tidal volume during exercise?

A

Increases

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11
Q

Can we completely empty our lungs?

A

No, there is always some air left, called residual volume

This residual air keeps the lungs from collapsing.

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12
Q

How can lung volumes be measured?

A

Using a spirometer

Spirometry provides valuable data on lung function.

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13
Q

What is the function of a spirometer?

A

To trace breathing movements and translate them into graphical representation

This allows for visual assessment of lung function.

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14
Q

What happens to inspiratory reserve volume during exercise?

A

Decreases

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15
Q

What happens to expiratory reserve volume during exercise?

A

Slight decrease

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16
Q

What happens to residual volume during exercise?

A

Remains the same

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17
Q

What happens to minute ventilation during exercise?

A

Big increase

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18
Q

How do you calculate minute ventilation?

A

Breathing frequency x tidal volume

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19
Q

What is partial pressure?

A

The pressure exerted by an individual gas when it exists within a mixture of gases

Partial pressure is a key concept in understanding gas exchange and diffusion.

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20
Q

Define diffusion in the context of gas exchange.

A

Movement of gas molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration

Diffusion is essential for the process of gas exchange in the lungs and tissues.

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21
Q

What is a concentration gradient?

A

The difference in concentration of a substance between two areas

A steeper concentration gradient results in faster diffusion.

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22
Q

How does oxygen exchange occur at the alveoli?

A

O2 diffuses from the alveoli into the blood until the pressure is equal in both

The partial pressure of O2 in the alveoli is higher than in the capillary blood vessels.

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23
Q

What causes the partial pressure of O2 in the blood to be lower than in the alveoli?

A

Oxygen has been removed by the working muscles

This difference drives the diffusion of O2 into the blood.

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24
Q

What happens to the concentration of CO2 at the alveoli?

A

CO2 diffuses from the blood into the alveoli until the pressure is equal in both

The partial pressure of CO2 is higher in the capillary blood vessels than in the alveoli.

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25
Why is the partial pressure of CO2 higher in the capillary blood vessels?
CO2 has been produced by the working muscles as a waste product of respiration ## Footnote This accumulation of CO2 creates a gradient for diffusion into the alveoli.
26
Fill in the blank: The steeper the concentration gradient, the ________ diffusion occurs.
faster ## Footnote A steep gradient enhances the rate at which gases move.
27
True or False: Gas exchange is a passive process driven by concentration gradients.
True ## Footnote Gas exchange relies on the natural tendency of gases to move from areas of high concentration to low concentration.
28
What occurs during gas exchange at the muscle?
O2 diffuses from blood into muscle until equilibrium is reached. ## Footnote The partial pressure of O2 is lower in tissues than in capillary blood vessels.
29
What happens to carbon dioxide during gas exchange?
CO2 diffuses from the tissue into the blood to be transported to the lungs and exhaled. ## Footnote The partial pressure of CO2 is lower at tissues than in capillary blood vessels.
30
What is the thickness of alveolar walls?
Single cell thickness ## Footnote This structure allows for a short distance for diffusion to take place.
31
What is the purpose of the moist lining in alveoli?
Helps to dissolve and exchange gases faster. ## Footnote The moisture facilitates gas diffusion.
32
What is the significance of the extensive network of capillaries in the alveoli?
Provides a large surface area for gas exchange. ## Footnote This network enhances the efficiency of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.
33
What is a key feature of capillary structure that allows for short distance diffusion?
One red blood cell thick ## Footnote This design minimizes the distance that oxygen and nutrients need to travel to reach tissues.
34
How does the large surface area of capillaries benefit diffusion?
More opportunity for diffusion to take place ## Footnote A larger surface area allows for greater exchange of gases and nutrients.
35
What is the significance of the narrow diameter of capillaries?
Slow passage of red blood cells ## Footnote This slow movement helps maximize the time available for exchange processes.
36
What is pulmonary ventilation?
Breathing ## Footnote Pulmonary ventilation refers to the process of moving air in and out of the lungs.
37
Which systems control pulmonary ventilation?
Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems ## Footnote These systems control the automatic regulation of breathing.
38
What are the three factors involved in the regulation of pulmonary ventilation during exercise?
* Neural control (brain and nervous system) * Chemical control (blood acidity) * Hormonal control (adrenaline) ## Footnote These factors work together to regulate breathing during physical activity.
39
Where is the respiratory center located?
Medulla oblongata ## Footnote The medulla oblongata is a part of the brain that plays a crucial role in regulating breathing.
40
What does the inspiratory center do?
Sends out nerve impulses to inspiratory muscles ## Footnote The inspiratory center is responsible for initiating the inhalation process.
41
How long does the inspiratory center typically send nerve impulses?
Approximately 2 seconds ## Footnote This duration helps control the timing of inhalation.
42
Which muscles are involved in inspiration?
* Diaphragm * External intercostals * Sternocleidomastoid * Scalene * Pectoralis major ## Footnote These muscles contract to expand the thoracic cavity for inhalation.
43
What is the role of the expiratory center?
Increases expiration by activating expiratory muscles ## Footnote The expiratory center helps regulate the exhalation of air.
44
Which muscles are involved in expiration?
* Abdominals * Internal intercostals ## Footnote These muscles assist in pushing air out of the lungs during exhalation.
45
Fill in the blank: The respiratory center includes receptors and the _______.
[medulla oblongata] ## Footnote The medulla oblongata is essential for processing information from receptors to regulate breathing.
46
What happens to blood acidity during exercise?
It increases due to increased CO2 and lactic acid ## Footnote This increase is a result of heightened metabolic activity during physical exertion.
47
Where are the chemoreceptors located that detect changes in blood acidity?
In the carotid artery and aortic arch ## Footnote These receptors play a crucial role in monitoring blood chemistry.
48
What do chemoreceptors do when they detect increased blood acidity?
Send impulses to the inspiratory centre ## Footnote This stimulates the inspiratory muscles to increase breathing rate and depth.
49
What is the role of the phrenic nerve in pulmonary ventilation?
Stimulates the inspiratory muscles ## Footnote It is essential for the mechanical process of inhalation.
50
What happens to the rate and depth of breathing when blood acidity increases?
They increase until blood acidity returns to normal ## Footnote This is part of the body's homeostatic response.
51
What hormone increases breathing rate in preparation for exercise?
Adrenaline ## Footnote It is released from adrenal glands and affects the nervous system.
52
What triggers the release of adrenaline before exercise?
Anticipation of increased need for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange ## Footnote This prepares the body for heightened physical demands.
53
What effect does adrenaline have on the breathing rate?
Increases the breathing rate ## Footnote This helps meet the body's increased oxygen demands during exercise.
54
What are proprioceptors and where are they located?
Located in the joints and muscles ## Footnote They detect movement and contribute to the regulation of breathing.
55
What do proprioceptors do when they detect increased muscle movement?
Send impulses to the inspiratory centre to increase breathing rate ## Footnote This helps to ensure adequate oxygen supply during physical activity.
56
What is the function of baroreceptors in relation to breathing?
Detect a decrease in blood pressure ## Footnote They help regulate breathing rates based on blood pressure changes.
57
What do baroreceptors do when they sense low blood pressure?
Send impulses to the inspiratory centre to increase breathing rate ## Footnote This response ensures sufficient oxygen delivery to tissues.
58
What happens to the lungs during exercise regarding stretch receptors?
They are stretched more ## Footnote This is a normal response to increased lung capacity during physical exertion.
59
What is the role of stretch receptors during exercise?
Prevent over-inflation of the lungs by sending impulses to the expiratory centre ## Footnote This protects lung tissue and maintains effective ventilation.
60
What happens to the concentration of CO2 in the blood during inspiration?
It increases ## Footnote This increase in CO2 concentration triggers the respiratory process.
61
What initiates the process of inspiration?
Nerve impulses sent to the respiratory centre detected by chemoreceptors ## Footnote Chemoreceptors monitor the levels of CO2 and O2 in the blood.
62
Where is the inspiratory centre located?
In the medulla oblongata in the brain ## Footnote The medulla oblongata is crucial for regulating breathing.
63
What does the inspiratory centre do?
Sends out nerve impulses via the phrenic nerve to the inspiratory muscles ## Footnote The phrenic nerve primarily controls the diaphragm.
64
What muscles contract during the inspiration process?
Diaphragm and external intercostals ## Footnote These muscles facilitate the expansion of the thoracic cavity.
65
How long does the stimulation from the inspiratory centre last?
Approximately two seconds ## Footnote After this period, the nerve impulses stop.
66
What occurs after the stimulation of the inspiratory centre stops?
Passive expiration occurs due to elastic recoil of the lungs ## Footnote This means that expiration happens without active muscle contraction.
67
What are lifestyle choices that can affect the respiratory system?
* lack of exercise * poor diet * smoking * alcohol consumption ## Footnote These lifestyle choices can lead to various respiratory issues.
68
What happens to alveoli due to smoking?
Alveoli can be damaged as their walls break down and join together, forming larger air sacs. ## Footnote This reduces their surface area, making gaseous exchange inefficient.
69
How does carbon monoxide in cigarettes affect the blood?
Carbon monoxide attaches to hemoglobin in the blood more easily than oxygen does, so the blood carries less oxygen. ## Footnote This can lead to oxygen deprivation in the body.
70
What effect does smoking have on the trachea, bronchi, and cilia?
Smoking damages the lining of the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles, leading to excess mucus (smoker's cough). ## Footnote Damaged cilia impair the clearance of mucus and debris.
71
What is the impact of smoking on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
Smoking increases the risk of developing COPD, causing: * shortness of breath * decreased gaseous exchange or diffusion gradient * increased likelihood of respiratory diseases * tar coating airways, inhibiting gaseous exchange * narrowing of air passages, causing increased respiratory resistance ## Footnote COPD can significantly impair lung function.
72
What effect does smoking have on the efficiency of the respiratory system?
Decreases efficiency of respiratory system to supply O2 to muscles ## Footnote Smoking leads to various respiratory issues that hinder oxygen delivery.
73
What substance reduces the amount of O2 absorbed in the blood?
Carbon monoxide ## Footnote Carbon monoxide can bind to hemoglobin, preventing oxygen transport.
74
What is the relationship between hemoglobin and carbon monoxide?
Hemoglobin has greater affinity to CO than O2 ## Footnote This means that CO can displace O2 in the bloodstream, leading to hypoxia.

AQA A Level PE (8 decks)

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