Respiratory

• What is the main function of the respiratory system?


  To deliver oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide.
• What are the main components of the respiratory system?

  • Larynx
  • Trachea
  • Bronchi
  • Bronchioles
  • Alveoli
  • Diaphragm
  • Intercostal muscles
  • Pleural membranes
• What is the role of the larynx in the respiratory system?


  It connects the back of the nose and the trachea, forming an air passage to the lungs.
• What is the trachea also known as?

  The windpipe.
• How does the structure of the trachea and bronchi help maintain airflow?


  They have rings of cartilage to prevent collapse and maintain an open passage for air.
• What shape are the cartilage rings in the trachea?


  'C'-shaped.
• Why is the gap at the back of the trachea important?


  It allows the esophagus to stretch as food passes down.
• What are alveoli?


  Microscopic sacs at the end of bronchioles where gas exchange occurs.
• How many alveoli are approximately in the lungs?


  About 300 million.
• What is the function of the diaphragm?


  It separates the chest from the abdomen and aids in breathing.
• Where are intercostal muscles located?


  Between the ribs.
• What do pleural membranes do?


  They cover the outside of the lungs and line the inside of the chest wall.
• What is cartilage?


  A strong and stretchy connective tissue that is stiffer than muscle tissue.
• What is a membrane?


  A thin sheet acting as a barrier or lining to separate structures or organs.
• What happens during inspiration?

  The intercostal muscles pull the ribcage upwards and outwards, and the diaphragm flattens.
• What is the result of the movements during inspiration?


  An increase in volume and a decrease in pressure in the lungs.
• What occurs during expiration?

  The diaphragm lifts back into a dome shape and the intercostal muscles pull the ribcage inwards and downwards.
• What is the role of pleural membranes during breathing?


  They allow the lungs to move easily within the chest cavity.
• What is gaseous exchange?


  The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between capillaries and alveoli.
• How are the walls of the alveoli structured for efficient gas exchange?


  They are very thin (one cell thick) and surrounded by capillaries.
• What is the structure of alveoli compared to?


  Like bunches of grapes.
• What is the process of diffusion in the context of gas exchange?


  Movement of substances from an area of high concentration to an area of lower concentration.
• What happens to oxygen during gas exchange?


  It moves out of the alveoli to the capillaries and into the bloodstream.
• What happens to carbon dioxide during gas exchange?


  It moves out of the capillaries into the alveoli to be exhaled.
• What is ATP?


  Adenosine triphosphate, a high-energy molecule found in every cell.
• What is the role of ATP in cells?


  To store and supply the cell with energy.
• What is cellular respiration?


  A complex set of chemical reactions that convert biochemical energy from nutrients into ATP.
• What are the two types of cellular respiration?


  • Aerobic: uses oxygen
  • Anaerobic: does not need oxygen
• What are the waste products of aerobic respiration?


  Carbon dioxide and water.
• What is the equation for aerobic respiration?

  $\text{glucose} +$$\text{oxygen} \rightarrow \text{carbon dioxide} +$$\text{water} +$$\text{ATP}$
• What is the role of mitochondria in cellular respiration?


  They convert biochemical energy from nutrients into ATP.
• What happens during anaerobic respiration?


  It occurs when oxygen is not available and produces less energy.
• What is the equation for anaerobic respiration?


  $\text{glucose} \rightarrow \text{lactate} +$$2 \text{ATP}$
• What is glycolysis?


  The process that breaks down glucose and forms pyruvate, producing two molecules of ATP.
• What happens to pyruvate in anaerobic respiration?


  It is converted to lactate.
• What happens to pyruvate in aerobic respiration?


  It is broken down to water and carbon dioxide, generating large amounts of ATP.
• What is lactic acid and when does it accumulate?


  Lactic acid is a toxic substance that accumulates in muscles when oxygen is low, such as during exercise.
• What happens if oxygen does not become available to cells?


  Cells die because lactic acid is toxic.
• What are the similarities and differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?


  Similarities:

  • Both processes produce ATP.
  • Both involve the breakdown of glucose.

  
  

  Differences:

  • Aerobic requires oxygen; anaerobic does not.
  • Aerobic produces more ATP than anaerobic.
• What is the typical mistake students make regarding cellular respiration?


  Confusing gaseous exchange with the breathing mechanisms of inspiration and expiration.