Respiratory system

• What is the purpose of the respiratory system?

  Provide oxygen to the human body and remove carbon dioxide
• Respiration: breathing which is the mechanical process of inhalation AND exhalation
• Ventilation: Exchange and movement of gases between the alveoli sacs and atmosphere
• What are the 4 steps of respiration?

  Ventilation, gas exchange, transportation of gases, cellular level gas exchange
• Internal respiration: between blood and cells
• External respiration: between lungs and atmosphere
• Expiration air OUT of lungs
• Inspiration air INTO lungs
• Pathway of air by inhalation?

  Nose/mouth -> pharynx -> larynx -> trachea -> bronchi -> bronchioles -> alveoli
• Why is the epiglottis import to respiration?

  To prevent food and liquids from entering the trachea and lungs causing infection and obstructions
• The pleural membrane protects the lungs, provides flexibility and a smooth surface
• What does the surfactant layer on alveoli sacs do?

  Contains lipoprotein preventing them from collapsing
• How do red blood cells carry oxygen and carbon dioxide?

  Hemoglobin!
• Hemoglobin is a four iron containing molecule which allows oxygen and carbon dioxide to bind to the iron atoms for transport
• Red blood cells have a biconcave shape INCREASING their surface area
• What are ciliated cells?


  Cells with hair-like structures called cilia
• What is the purpose of ciliated cells in the respiratory system?

  To filter, moisten, and warm air that has been inhaled
• Which lung has three lobes?

  Right
• Why are the alveoli sacs ideal for gas exchange?

  They have single celled walls, increased surface area, and air quality is better
• What are the muscles involved in the respiratory system?

  Diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
• What change in the blood triggers your brain to have you breathe faster and harder during exercise?

  Increased blood acidity
• Intercostal muscles moves the ribs up, down, in, and out
• What prevent the trachea from collapsing?

  Cartilage rings
• When chest volumes increases during inhalation cavity pressure decreases and air rushes into the lungs
• When chest volumes decreases during exhalation cavity pressure increases and air rushes out the lungs
• What happens to the alveoli sacs when a person has emphysema?

  They collapse due to loss of elasticity
• What is the main cause of emphysema?

  Cigarette smoking
• Mucous membrane keeps the body moist