The Respiratory System Flashcards
What is the respiratory system made up of?
The nose, mouth, trachea, bronchi, diaphragm and lungs
What is the purpose of the respiratory system?
It provides oxygen for the body and allows carbon dioxide to leave the body
How does the respiratory system work?
The air we breathe enters our mouth and nose , passes through the pharynx and down the trachea. The trachea splits into 2 branches called bronchi.
How does the nose and trachea keep our lungs clean?
They produce mucus as a method of keeping dirt out of our lungs.
The trachea also has tiny hairs called Cilia that help keep our lungs clear
What is gas exchange?
Gas exchange occurs in the alveolus, a tiny sac of air in the lung that is surrounded by a network of capillaries carrying blood.
What is breathing?
Inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide is breathing.
It is an involuntary response and occurs when the diaphragm, a large sheet-like muscle under the lungs, contracts and relaxes
What is tuberculosis?
An infectious disease that can easily be spread, affects the lungs and if left untreated, can be fatal
What can cause cancer in the respiratory system?
Cancers can be caused by first-hand and second-hand smoke. Tumours can form in the lungs
What is SARS?
A serious health crisis in 2003 where 438 people in Canada were infected and 44 died.
