lungs

• What is the main purpose of our organ systems working together?

  To ensure a good supply of necessary materials
• What does the digestive system do?

  It digests and absorbs nutrients
• What is the role of the respiratory system?

  It absorbs oxygen from the air
• How does the circulatory system function in relation to other systems?

  It moves essential substances around the body
• What can be the consequences of damage to organ systems?

  It can be serious or even fatal
• What are examples of serious conditions resulting from organ system damage?

  Heart disease and lung cancer
• How can people reduce their risk of organ system damage?

  By improving diet and lifestyle
• What does the respiratory system involve?

  Organs and tissues that help us breathe
• What is the difference between breathing and respiration?

  Breathing is physical; respiration is chemical
• What is the trachea also known as?

  Windpipe
• What is the function of the alveoli?

  Gas exchange occurs here
• How are the lungs adapted for gas exchange?

  They have many alveoli for surface area
• Why is the wall of the alveoli one cell thick?

  To create a short diffusion pathway
• What maintains a steep concentration gradient in the lungs?

  A large capillary network
• What happens to oxygen levels in exhaled air?

  They are lower than in inhaled air
• What happens to carbon dioxide levels in exhaled air?

  They are higher than in inhaled air
• Why must carbon dioxide be removed from the body?

  It can cause poisoning in high concentrations
• What is the main function of the nasal cavity?

  To filter, moisten, and warm air
• Where does respiration take place?

  In the mitochondria of all cells
• What are two general adaptations of surfaces where diffusion happens?

  Thin walls and good blood supply
• What is the process of gas exchange in the alveoli?

  • Oxygen diffuses into the bloodstream
  • Carbon dioxide diffuses from blood into alveoli
• What happens when air rich in oxygen reaches the alveoli?

  Oxygen diffuses into the bloodstream
• What is diffusion?

  Movement of particles from high to low concentration
• Why do alveoli have moist membranes?

  To help gases dissolve and diffuse faster
• Why do we ventilate our lungs every 4-5 seconds at rest?

  To maintain concentration gradients
• Why do we breathe faster when exercising?

  To get more oxygen for respiration
• What are the key components of the respiratory system?

  • Nasal cavity
  • Trachea (windpipe)
  • Bronchi
  • Bronchioles
  • Alveoli
  • Diaphragm
• What are the adaptations of alveoli for gas exchange?

  • Large surface area
  • Good blood supply
  • Thin and moist walls
• What are the differences in gas concentrations between inhaled and exhaled air?

  • Less oxygen in exhaled air
  • More carbon dioxide in exhaled air
• What is the importance of maintaining concentration gradients in the lungs?

  • Enhances the efficiency of gas exchange
  • Ensures oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide removal
• What lifestyle factors can affect lung health?

  • Smoking
  • Poor diet
  • Lack of exercise
• What are the consequences of high carbon dioxide levels in the body?

  • Can lead to poisoning
  • Requires removal from the body
• What is the role of the diaphragm in respiration?

  • Contracts and expands the chest cavity
  • Aids in inhalation and exhalation
• What is the significance of the trachea in the respiratory system?

  • It carries air to the lungs
  • It branches into bronchi and bronchioles
• What is the function of cilia in the respiratory system?

  • Wafts dirt, dust, and mucus upwards
  • Helps clear airways
• What is the role of mucus in the respiratory system?

  • Cleans and moistens the airways
  • Traps particles and pathogens