Unit 4 Lecture S Flashcards
(111 cards)
What is the function of the Human Respiratory System?
To exchange gases, specifically oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2)
The respiratory system facilitates the intake of oxygen for cellular processes and the removal of carbon dioxide produced by metabolism.
What are the four general steps performed by the Respiratory System?
- Ventilation
- External respiration
- Transport of gases
- Internal respiration
These steps encompass the process of breathing, gas exchange in the lungs, transport of gases through the bloodstream, and gas exchange at the cellular level.
Gases diffuse which direction along their Partial Pressure Gradient?
High-to-Low
This principle governs the movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide during respiration.
Why are tissue cells always low in O2 and high in CO2?
Due to Cellular Respiration
Tissue cells consume oxygen for metabolic processes, producing carbon dioxide as a waste product.
What is the Conducting Zone?
The part of the respiratory system that includes structures for air passage but not gas exchange
It includes the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.
What is the Respiratory Zone?
The area of the respiratory system where gas exchange occurs
It includes the alveoli and respiratory bronchioles.
Name the structures that air passes through as it goes from Nasal Cavity to Alveoli.
- Nasal Cavity
- Pharynx
- Larynx
- Trachea
- Bronchi
- Bronchioles
- Alveoli
This pathway outlines the route of air during inhalation.
What is the Bronchial Tree?
A branching system of air passages in the lungs formed by the division of bronchi
It progressively divides into smaller bronchi and bronchioles.
What are Alveoli?
Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs
They are crucial for transferring oxygen into the blood and removing carbon dioxide.
What cellular anatomy features help Alveoli do their job?
- Thin walls
- Large surface area
- Moist lining
These features facilitate efficient gas exchange.
How are Alveoli arranged?
In clusters resembling a bunch of grapes
This arrangement increases the surface area available for gas exchange.
Why are Alveoli covered in Capillaries?
To allow for efficient gas exchange with the blood
The close proximity of capillaries to alveoli facilitates the transfer of gases.
What is Surfactant?
A substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli
It is important for preventing alveolar collapse during exhalation.
Is there Mucus in Alveoli?
No
Alveoli are kept free of mucus to ensure efficient gas exchange.
What are the different Cell Types that make up the Alveoli?
- Type I alveolar cells
- Type II alveolar cells
- Alveolar macrophages
Each type has specific functions in gas exchange and immune response.
What is the function of Type I alveolar cells?
To facilitate gas exchange
They are thin and cover most of the alveolar surface.
What is the function of Type II alveolar cells?
To produce surfactant
This helps reduce surface tension and maintain alveolar stability.
What is the function of Alveolar macrophages?
To remove debris and pathogens from the alveoli
They play a vital role in the immune defense of the respiratory system.
What is Boyle’s Law?
P1V1 = P2V2
Boyle’s Law describes the inverse relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas.
How does Boyle’s Law lead to Breathing?
Changes in lung volume cause changes in pressure, facilitating inhalation and exhalation
When the volume of the lungs increases, pressure decreases, allowing air to flow in.
What role do the Diaphragm and Intercostal Muscles play in Ventilation?
They contract to change the volume of the thoracic cavity
This contraction creates pressure differences that drive airflow during breathing.
What is the process of Inhalation?
Diaphragm contracts, thoracic cavity expands, air enters lungs
Inhalation increases lung volume and decreases internal pressure, allowing air to flow in.
What is the process of Exhalation?
Diaphragm relaxes, thoracic cavity decreases in volume, air is expelled
Exhalation decreases lung volume and increases internal pressure, pushing air out.
Which steps of the Respiratory System employ Fick’s Law?
Internal Respiration and External Respiration
These processes involve gas exchange of O2 and CO2 based on diffusion principles.