Respiratory System Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is external respiration?
The exchange of O2 and CO2 between the external environment and the cells of the body.
What is internal respiration?
Intracellular metabolic processes carried out within the mitochondria which use O2 and nutrients to produce energy (and CO2)
What are two of the most important functions of the respiratory system?
Gas exchange & Metabolic activity
What does the conducting zone do?
Bring air in and out of the lungs
What are the components of the conducting zone?
Trachea (primary bronchus), bronchi (secondary & tertiary bronchus) and bronchioles.
What does the respiratory zone do?
Gas exchange
What are the components of the respiratory zone?
Respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs.
Describe the structure of the primary bronchus.
C-shaped cartilage and smooth muscle.
Describe the structure of the secondary bronchus.
Cartilage plates and smooth muscle.
Describe the structure of the tertiary bronchus.
Less cartilage and more smooth muscle.
T/F: The respiratory zone has no smooth muscle or cartilage.
False; it has smooth muscle but no cartilage.
What is an alveolar sac?
A group of two or more alveoli with a common
opening into an alveolar duct.
What is the driving force for the flow of
air?
The difference between the atmospheric pressure at the mouth and the pressure in the alveoli.
In basic terms, what happens during inhalation?
Air flows in, ribs move up and out, and the diaphragm flattens.
In basic terms, what happens during exhalation?
Air flows out, ribs move down and in, diaphragm domes up.
What are the major muscles involved in quiet inspiration?
Diaphragm and external intercostal muscles.
What happens to the volume of the thoracic cavity and intra-alveolar pressure during inspiration?
Increases; Decreases.
What happens to the volume of the thoracic cavity and intra-alveolar pressure during expiration?
Decreases; Increases.
What is anatomical dead space?
That portion of the airways (mouth and trachea to the bronchioles) which conducts gas to the alveoli. No gas exchange is possible in these spaces.
What are chemoreceptors?
Receptors that respond to changes in the partial pressures (P) of O2 and CO2 in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
Where are central chemoreceptors located?
Medulla oblongata
Where are peripheral chemoreceptors located?
Aortic and carotid bodies
What will the SNS do to the airways?
Dilate them
What is the membrane located directly next to the lungs?
Visceral pleura
