The lungs

• What is involved in the process of breathing besides the lungs?


  Other parts help to get oxygen in and carbon dioxide out
• Where are the lungs located in the body?


  The lungs are in the thorax
• What separates the thorax from the lower part of the body?


  The diaphragm separates the thorax from the lower part of the body
• What is the structure of the lungs described as?


  The lungs are like big pink sponges
• What protects the lungs?


  The lungs are protected by the ribcage
• What surrounds the lungs?

  The lungs are surrounded by the pleural membranes
• What is the pathway of air when you breathe in?

  The air goes through the trachea, which splits into bronchi
• What are the two tubes called that the trachea splits into?


  The trachea splits into two bronchi
• What is the function of the bronchi?


  The bronchi carry air to each lung
• What do the bronchi split into?


  The bronchi split into progressively smaller tubes called bronchioles
• Where do the bronchioles end?


  The bronchioles end at small bags called alveoli
• What takes place in the alveoli?


  Gas exchange takes place in the alveoli
• What should you do to understand the layout of the chest's innards?

  • Sketch a diagram of the chest
  • Add labels for trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli
  • Ensure you know their locations
• What is the diaphragm's role in relation to the thorax?


  The diaphragm separates the thorax from the lower part of the body
• What is the function of the trachea?


  The trachea carries air to the bronchi
• What is the term for the windpipe?

  The windpipe is also known as the trachea
• What is the term for each individual tube that branches from the bronchi?


  Each individual tube is called a bronchus
• What are the small bags at the end of bronchioles called?


  The small bags are called alveoli
• What is the significance of the alveoli in the respiratory system?


  Alveoli are crucial for gas exchange in the respiratory system
• What are the tiny air sacs in the lungs called?

  Alveoli
• What is the primary function of alveoli in the lungs?


  Gas exchange
• What is the process of gas exchange in the alveoli?


  • Oxygen diffuses from the alveolus (high concentration) into the blood (low concentration).
  • Carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood (high concentration) into the alveolus (low concentration).
• What type of blood returns to the lungs from the body?

  Blood with lots of carbon dioxide and little oxygen
• What happens to oxygen when blood reaches body cells?

  Oxygen is released from red blood cells and diffuses into body cells
• What happens to carbon dioxide in body cells?


  Carbon dioxide diffuses out of body cells into the blood
• How is carbon dioxide transported back to the lungs?


  It is carried back in the blood
• What are the characteristics of alveoli as exchange surfaces?


  • Large surface area
  • Thin walls for easy diffusion
  • Moist lining to facilitate gas exchange
  • Rich blood supply from capillaries