Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Dental Science A > Week 8 > Flashcards

Week 8 Flashcards

(72 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What are the 4 key processes of respiration?

A

Pulmonary ventilation, external respiration, transport of respiratory gases, and internal respiration.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the main function of pulmonary ventilation?

A

To move air into (inspiration) and out of (expiration) the lungs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What happens during external respiration?

A

Oxygen diffuses into the blood, and carbon dioxide diffuses out into the lungs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What role does the cardiovascular system play in respiration?

A

It transports oxygen to tissues and carbon dioxide back to the lungs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What occurs during internal respiration?

A

Oxygen moves from blood to tissue cells, and carbon dioxide moves from cells to blood.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Name the main components of the respiratory system.

A

Nose, pharynx, larynx, and lungs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are the functions of the nasal cavity?

A
  • Nostrils (Nares): Openings through which air enters the respiratory system.
  • Nasal Cavity: Hollow space inside the nose, lined with:
    • Mucous membranes
    • Tiny hair-like structures called cilia.
  • Functions of the Nasal Cavity:
    • Filters incoming air.
    • Warms the air.
      Humidifies the air before it reaches the lungs.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the functions of the oral cavity?

A
  • Primary Role: Associated mainly with digestion.
  • Respiratory Function:
    • Provides an alternative passageway for air to enter the respiratory system during breathing.
  • Functions of the Oral Cavity:
    • Chewing: Breaks down food.
    • Swallowing: Moves food to the throat.
    • Speech Production: Aids in producing sounds.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the functions of the pharynx?

A
  • Also known as the throat, the pharynx is a muscular tube located behind the nasal cavity and mouth. It serves as a passageway for both air and food.
  • Part of both the respiratory and digestive systems.
  • Serves as passages for air from the nasal and oral cavities to reach the larynx and trachea, allowing airflow into the lungs.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the functions of the epiglottis?

A

· Superior-most region of the larynx.
Flap of cartilage that protect the lower respiratory tract from food or liquid entering into the trachea and lungs while breathing

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are the functions of the lungs?

A

· The lungs are the primary organs of the respiratory system responsible for gas exchange.
· Each lung is enclosed within a pleural cavity and is composed of lobes:
- the right lung has three lobes (upper, middle, and lower),
- while the left lung has two lobes (upper and lower).
· Within the lungs, the bronchioles eventually lead to tiny air sacs called alveoli.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the functions of the oesophagus?

A

· Muscular tube that allows movement of food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach.
· Part of the digestive system

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the functions of the larynx?

A

· Commonly referred to as the voice box, the larynx is located at the top of the trachea (windpipe).
· It contains vocal cords, which vibrate to produce sounds during speech and other vocalisations.
· The larynx also acts as a valve to prevent food and liquids from entering the trachea during swallowing.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the functions of the trachea?

A

· The trachea is a tube-like structure that connects the larynx to the bronchi and serves as the main airway for conducting air into and out of the lungs.
· It is composed of rings of cartilage, which provide support and prevent collapse of the airway.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the functions of the intercostal muscles?

A

· The intercostal muscles, located between the ribs in the thoracic cavity, assist in breathing by expanding and contracting the rib cage during inhalation and exhalation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are the functions of the diaphragm?

A

· The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle beneath the rib cage that facilitates breathing by contracting and relaxing.
· During inhalation, it contracts and moves downward, expanding the thoracic cavity to draw in air.
· Conversely, during exhalation, it relaxes and moves upward, expelling air from the lungs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are the primary bronchi and their function?

A

The two main bronchi branch off from the trachea, one for each lung. They conduct air into the lungs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are bronchioles and what is their primary function?

A

Bronchioles are smaller airways branching from the bronchi. They conduct air deeper into the lungs toward the alveoli.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What structural features help the bronchi trap and remove foreign particles?

A

The bronchi are lined with ciliated epithelial cells and goblet cells that produce mucus to trap dust and pathogens.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What are alveoli and what is their function?

A

Alveoli are tiny, grape-like air sacs at the ends of bronchioles. They are the primary sites for gas exchange in the lungs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

How does gas exchange occur in the alveoli?

A

Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood; carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What makes alveoli efficient for gas exchange?

A

Their large surface area and thin walls allow for rapid diffusion of gases.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is the role of pulmonary capillaries in gas exchange?

A

They surround each alveolus, allowing oxygen to enter the blood and carbon dioxide to leave the blood.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What are the two functional zones of the respiratory system?

A

The conducting zone and the respiratory zone.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What structures are included in the conducting zone?
Nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and terminal bronchioles.
26
What is the main function of the conducting zone?
To act as a passageway for air to reach the respiratory zone.
27
What additional roles does the conducting zone have?
It filters, warms, and humidifies incoming air.
28
What structures are part of the respiratory zone?
Respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli.
29
What is the function of the respiratory zone?
To carry out gas exchange—oxygen enters the blood, and carbon dioxide is removed and exhaled.
30
What makes up the respiratory membrane and what is its function?
It consists of alveolar epithelial cells and pulmonary capillary endothelial cells. It facilitates gas exchange by bringing oxygen into the blood and removing carbon dioxide.
31
What features make the respiratory membrane efficient for gas exchange?
It has a large surface area (~75 m²), contains about 480 million alveoli, and each alveolus is 0.2–0.5 mm in diameter.
32
What are the roles of Type I and Type II alveolar cells?
Type I: Enable rapid gas diffusion. Type II: Repair the epithelium and secrete pulmonary surfactant.
33
What is the function of alveolar macrophages?
They clean up debris in the alveoli through phagocytosis.
34
What does Boyle's Law state and why is it important in breathing?
Boyle’s Law states that pressure is inversely proportional to volume (P1V1 = P2V2). It’s important in breathing because changing lung volume alters pressure, driving air in or out of the lungs.
35
What happens to gas pressure when lung volume increases?
Gas pressure decreases, creating a lower pressure inside the lungs compared to outside, causing air to flow in (inspiration).
36
What happens to gas pressure when lung volume decreases?
Gas pressure increases, making lung pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, causing air to flow out (expiration).
37
What are the two main phases of breathing?
Inspiration (inhalation) and expiration (exhalation).
38
What muscular actions occur during inspiration?
The diaphragm contracts and moves downward; intercostal muscles contract and lift the ribcage up and out.
39
What pressure change occurs during inspiration and what direction does air flow?
Lung pressure decreases below atmospheric pressure, so air flows into the lungs.
40
What muscular and pressure changes occur during expiration?
The diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, lung volume decreases, pressure increases, and air flows out.
41
What is the purpose of measuring lung volumes and capacities?
To assess respiratory system function and efficiency, often using pulmonary function tests like spirometry.
42
What does spirometry measure and what are the key lung volumes?
Measures airflow in and out of lungs. Key volumes: - Tidal Volume (TV): ~500 mL during normal breathing - Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) - Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) - Residual Volume (RV)
43
What is Vital Capacity (VC)?
VC = TV + IRV + ERV It's the maximum amount of air a person can exhale after a full inhalation.
44
What is Total Lung Capacity (TLC)?
The total volume of air the lungs can hold after maximal inspiration. TLC = VC + RV
45
What do FVC and FEV1 measure in a pulmonary function test?
FVC: Total air exhaled after full, forced inhalation. FEV1: Air exhaled in the first second of FVC.
46
What does the FEV1/FVC ratio indicate?
Normally 70–80%; a lower ratio suggests obstructive lung disease, while a normal or high ratio with reduced volumes suggests restrictive disease.
47
What is Minute Ventilation and how is it calculated?
Total air moved in/out per minute. Formula: Breaths/min × Tidal Volume (e.g., 12 × 500 mL = 6000 mL/min)
47
48
What is Alveolar Ventilation Rate and how does it account for dead space?
Alveolar Ventilation = (TV - Dead Space) × Breaths/min Accounts for air not used in gas exchange. Example: (500 - 150) × 12 = 4200 mL/min
49
How does oxygen move in the lungs based on partial pressure?
Oxygen diffuses from alveoli (104 mmHg) into the blood (40 mmHg) due to a higher partial pressure in the alveoli.
49
What is partial pressure and why is it important in gas exchange?
Partial pressure is the pressure exerted by a specific gas in a mixture, measured in mmHg. It drives the movement of gases between compartments, such as from alveoli to blood.
50
How does carbon dioxide move in the lungs during gas exchange?
Carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood (45 mmHg) into the alveoli (40 mmHg), following its pressure gradient.
51
What happens to gas partial pressures at the venous end of pulmonary capillaries?
Oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood reach equilibrium with alveolar air: O₂ = 104 mmHg, CO₂ = 40 mmHg.
52
How does gas exchange occur in body tissues?
Oxygen diffuses from blood into tissues, and carbon dioxide diffuses from cells into blood, each moving from areas of higher to lower partial pressure.
53
What ensures continuous gas exchange in the body?
The circulation transports O₂ and CO₂ between lungs and tissues, maintaining ongoing partial pressure gradients and continuous exchange.
54
Which brain regions are involved in the higher control of respiration?
The cerebral cortex, limbic system, and hypothalamus influence breathing patterns through voluntary control and emotional responses.
55
What role do the pontine respiratory centres play in respiration?
Located in the pons, they adjust the depth and length of breathing by relaying signals between higher brain centers and medullary respiratory centers.
56
What are the functions of the ventral and dorsal respiratory groups in the medulla oblongata?
- Ventral group: Controls forceful inhalation and exhalation. - Dorsal group: Always active; regulates rate and rhythm of breathing and responds to blood gas levels.
57
How does the medulla oblongata control breathing?
It contains respiratory centers that send nerve impulses to the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, controlling the mechanics of breathing.
58
What are the roles of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles in respiration?
Diaphragm: Contracts and moves downward during inspiration. Intercostal muscles: Contract to raise the ribs and expand the chest.
59
What do peripheral chemoreceptors detect and where are they located?
Located in the carotid and aortic bodies, they detect ↓ O₂, ↓ pH, and ↑ CO₂ and send signals to the medullary respiratory centers.
60
What does the central chemoreceptor do and where is it located?
Located in the medulla oblongata, it detects ↑ CO₂ and ↓ pH and triggers an increase in respiration to restore gas balance.
61
Why do cells need oxygen?
Oxygen is essential for cellular survival and metabolism; it must be inhaled, transported in blood, and delivered to cells for energy production.
62
How is oxygen taken up in the lungs?
Oxygen diffuses from alveoli into capillary plasma and then binds to haemoglobin in red blood cells.
63
How is oxygen transported in the blood?
About 98% of oxygen binds to haemoglobin in red blood cells; 2% remains dissolved in plasma.
64
What is the difference between oxyhaemoglobin and deoxyhaemoglobin?
Oxyhaemoglobin (HbO₂): Fully saturated, bright red Deoxyhaemoglobin: Partially or not saturated, purplish-blue
65
How is oxygen released in tissues?
In low PO₂ environments, haemoglobin releases oxygen, which diffuses into tissue fluid and cells.
66
What is partial pressure of oxygen (PO₂) and what does it do?
It reflects oxygen concentration in plasma and drives diffusion: - High PO₂ (lungs) → promotes oxygen loading - Low PO₂ (tissues) → promotes oxygen unloading
67
What does the oxygen dissociation curve show?
It plots % haemoglobin saturation vs PO₂. It has an S-shape, showing Hb's variable affinity for oxygen.
68
What happens to haemoglobin saturation at different PO₂ levels?
Lungs (~100 mmHg) → Hb ~100% saturated Tissues (~40 mmHg) → Hb ~75% saturated (releases ~25% of O₂)
69
What causes a right shift in the oxygen dissociation curve?
Occurs in active tissues (↓ Hb-O₂ affinity): ↑ CO₂ ↓ pH (↑ H⁺) ↑ Temperature ↑ 2,3-BPG → Promotes oxygen release
70
What causes a left shift in the oxygen dissociation curve?
Occurs in lungs or resting tissues (↑ Hb-O₂ affinity): ↓ CO₂ ↑ pH ↓ Temperature → Promotes oxygen binding

Dental Science A (11 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions