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brennah Anatomy & Physiology: Cardiovascular and Respiratory System Key Concepts

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Terms in this set (29)

  • Primary locations of gas exchange in the respiratory system
    Gas exchange occurs primarily in the alveoli of the lungs where oxygen moves into the blood and carbon dioxide moves out.
  • Functions of the conducting zones in the respiratory system
    The conducting zones filter, warm, and humidify air but do not participate in gas exchange.
  • Functions of the uvula and epiglottis
    The uvula prevents food from entering the nasal cavity during swallowing; the epiglottis prevents food from entering the trachea.
  • Why do objects lodge more often in the right lung than the left?
    The right main bronchus is more vertical and wider, so objects tend to lodge there more often than in the left due to angle of connection.
  • Difference between Type 1 and Type 2 alveolar cells
    Type 1 cells form the alveolar wall for gas exchange; Type 2 cells secrete surfactant to reduce surface tension.
  • Role of surfactant in the lungs
    Surfactant reduces surface tension in alveoli, preventing collapse and aiding lung expansion.
  • Boyle's Law in respiration
    At constant temperature, pressure and volume are inversely related; increasing lung volume decreases pressure, causing air to flow in.
  • Dalton's Law of partial pressures
    Total pressure of a gas mixture equals the sum of the partial pressures of each gas.
  • What happens during normal inspiration?
    The diaphragm flattens and rib cage elevates, increasing thoracic volume and decreasing pressure to draw air in.
  • What is a pleural effusion?
    Accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural cavity, which can impair lung expansion.
  • What is pneumothorax?
    Air in the pleural cavity causing lung collapse due to loss of negative pressure.
  • What is hemothorax?
    Blood accumulation in the pleural cavity, often from trauma.
  • Triggers and effects of bronchiole constriction
    Triggers include allergens and irritants; constriction decreases airway diameter and increases resistance to airflow.
  • Pathway of oxygen during gas exchange
    Oxygen moves from alveoli into blood and then into tissues.
  • How many oxygen molecules can bind to one hemoglobin molecule?
    One hemoglobin molecule can bind up to 4 oxygen molecules.
  • Conditions that favor unloading of oxygen from hemoglobin to tissues
    Increased temperature, CO2 pressure, and decreased pH favor oxygen unloading.
  • How is most carbon dioxide transported in the blood?
    About 70% of CO2 is carried as bicarbonate ions in the plasma.
  • Primary function of alveolar macrophages
    They perform phagocytosis to remove debris and pathogens in the alveoli.
  • Brain area controlling basic rhythm of breathing
    The medulla oblongata controls the basic rhythm of breathing.
  • Function of the cardiovascular system
    To transport oxygen, nutrients, and waste products throughout the body.
  • Number and function of heart chambers
    The heart has 4 chambers: 2 atria (receivers) and 2 ventricles (pumps).
  • Difference between pulmonary arteries and veins
    Pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood to lungs; pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood to the heart.
  • Purpose of auricles on the heart
    Auricles increase atrial volume; the left auricle generates more pressure due to systemic circulation demands.
  • Function of heart valves
    Valves prevent backflow and ensure unidirectional blood flow through the heart.
  • Role of the SA node
    The SA node is the heart's natural pacemaker, initiating electrical impulses without conscious control.
  • Pathway of electrical conduction in the heart
    Impulse travels from SA node → AV node → bundle of His → Purkinje fibers causing contraction.
  • Definition of cardiac output
    Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute.
  • Heart sounds S1 and S2 represent which valve actions?
    S1 is the closure of AV valves; S2 is the closure of semilunar valves.
  • Function of pericardial fluid
    Pericardial fluid reduces friction between heart and pericardium during heartbeats.