Topic 3: Breathing and gas exchange Flashcards
(15 cards)
Why do we need to breathe?
to bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide
where does respiration happen?
in the cells
what does the trachea do?
carries air to lungs
what does the bronchi do?
they are the two tubes from the trachea to each lung
what are the bronchioles?
the smaller tubes inside the lungs
what are the alveoli?
tiny air sacs where gas exchange happens
what is the role of the ribs?
to protect the lungs
what do the intercostal muscles do?
help move the rib cage during breathing
what does the diaphragm do?
it is the muscles under the lungs that helps with breathing
how are the alveoli adapted for gas exchange?
-large surface area –> more space for gas to diffuse
-1 cell thick walls –> short distance for diffusion
-moist lining –> gases dissolve and diffuse easier
-good blood supply –> maintains a concentration gradient
what is gas exchange?
The diffusion of oxygen into the blood and carbon dioxide out of the blood into the alveoli of the lungs
what happens to the trachea and bronchi of a smoker?
the cilia are destroyed, so dirt and bacteria is not swept away
What is bronchitis?
a disease caused by smoking that blocks the normal airflow, causing difficulty for normal breathing
What is emphysema?
a disease caused by smoking that damages the walls of the alveoli. these then break down and fuse together again, forming enlarged, irregular air spaces. this greatly reduces the surface area for gas exchange, which becomes very inefficient
