Respiratory

• What is the primary function of the human respiratory system?

  Gas exchange
• How does the respiratory system differ from cellular respiration?

  The respiratory system exchanges gases, not energy
• What do cells need oxygen for?

  To make ATP
• What gas byproduct is produced during cellular respiration?

  Carbon dioxide
• What role does the respiratory system play in cellular respiration?

  It provides oxygen needed for cellular respiration
• What is the first structure air passes through in the respiratory system?

  Nasal cavity
• What happens to air as it passes through the nasal cavity?

  It is warmed, humidified, and filtered
• What structures help filter the air in the nasal cavity?

  Mucus and hairs
• What is the function of the epiglottis?

  It prevents food from entering the trachea
• What is the trachea supported by?

  Rings of cartilage
• What happens to the trachea as it branches into the bronchi?

  It divides into primary bronchi
• How many lobes does the right lung have?

  Three lobes
• What is the cardiac notch?

  An indentation in the left lung for the heart
• What is the structure of the bronchi as they branch?

  They resemble an upside-down tree
• What occurs in the alveoli?

  Gas exchange takes place
• What surrounds each alveolar duct?

  Alveolar sacs
• Why are alveoli effective for gas exchange?

  They have thin walls and large surface area
• How do red blood cells interact with the respiratory system?

  They pick up oxygen and release carbon dioxide
• What role do intercostal muscles play in respiration?

  They help expand and contract the thoracic cavity
• What is the diaphragm's role in breathing?

  It aids in expanding the thoracic cavity
• How is breathing usually controlled?

  It is mostly involuntary
• What does the nervous system use to regulate breathing?

  It uses pH levels
• What happens to blood pH as carbon dioxide concentration increases?

  Blood pH decreases and becomes more acidic
• How does the brain respond to increased acidity in blood?

  It signals muscles to increase breathing rate
• What is homeostasis in relation to breathing?

  Maintaining stable blood pH levels
• What is the normal blood pH level?

  Around 7.4
• How do different organisms perform gas exchange?

  Earthworms use skin; fish use gills
• What is the role of surfactant in the alveoli?

  It reduces surface tension to prevent collapse
• What cells produce surfactant in the alveoli?

  Type 2 alveolar cells
• What condition can occur due to insufficient surfactant in premature babies?

  Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
• How can artificial surfactants help premature infants?

  They can treat respiratory distress syndrome
• What are the main components of the respiratory system?

  • Nasal cavity
  • Pharynx
  • Larynx
  • Trachea
  • Bronchi (primary, secondary, tertiary)
  • Bronchioles
  • Alveoli
• How do the respiratory and circulatory systems work together?

  • Respiratory system brings in oxygen
  • Circulatory system transports oxygen to cells
  • Circulatory system removes carbon dioxide
  • Respiratory system expels carbon dioxide
• What are the roles of the muscular and skeletal systems in respiration?

  Muscular system:

  • Intercostal muscles expand/contract thoracic cavity
  • Diaphragm aids in breathing

  
  

  Skeletal system:

  • Ribs protect lungs
• What are the implications of understanding the respiratory system for medical careers?

  • Helps in treating respiratory illnesses
  • Relevant for pulmonologists and respiratory therapists
  • Important for conditions like asthma and RDS