Skip to main content
Back

Respiratory System - Anatomy & Physiology

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/29

Terms in this set (29)

  • Organs of the respiratory system
    Nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs (alveoli)
  • Where does gas exchange occur in the respiratory system?
    Gas exchange occurs only in the alveoli of the lungs.
  • Upper vs Lower respiratory tract
    Upper tract: passageways from nose to larynx. Lower tract: passageways from trachea to alveoli.
  • Functions of passageways to the lungs
    They purify, humidify, and warm the incoming air.
  • Nasal cavity features
    Contains olfactory epithelium, divided by nasal septum, lined with respiratory mucosa that moistens air and traps particles.
  • Role of conchae in the nasal cavity
    Increase surface area and air turbulence to trap inhaled particles.
  • Paranasal sinuses functions
    Lighten the skull, act as resonance chambers for speech, and produce mucus.
  • Pharynx regions
    Nasopharynx (behind nasal cavity), oropharynx (behind mouth), laryngopharynx (attached to larynx).
  • Function of the epiglottis
    Protects the larynx opening by routing food to the esophagus and air to the trachea during swallowing.
  • Larynx main functions
    Routes air and food into proper channels and plays a role in speech.
  • Structure of the trachea
    4-inch tube with C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings, lined with ciliated mucosa and goblet cells producing mucus.
  • Differences between right and left main bronchi
    Right bronchus is wider, shorter, and straighter than the left.
  • Lung lobes
    Left lung has two lobes; right lung has three lobes.
  • Pleura and pleural fluid function
    Pleura covers lungs and thoracic cavity; pleural fluid reduces friction and allows lung movement.
  • Respiratory zone structures
    Includes respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, and alveoli where gas exchange occurs.
  • Respiratory membrane composition
    Formed by alveolar and capillary walls; allows gas diffusion between air and blood.
  • Role of alveolar macrophages
    Remove bacteria, carbon particles, and debris to protect lungs.
  • Four events of respiration
    Pulmonary ventilation, external respiration, respiratory gas transport, internal respiration.
  • Pulmonary ventilation phases
    Inspiration (air into lungs) and expiration (air out of lungs).
  • Mechanics of inspiration
    Diaphragm and external intercostals contract, increasing thoracic volume and decreasing pressure to draw air in.
  • Mechanics of expiration
    Passive process where lung elasticity decreases volume and increases pressure to push air out.
  • Intrapleural pressure importance
    Always negative to prevent lung collapse; equalizing with atmospheric pressure causes lung recoil.
  • Tidal volume (TV)
    Amount of air moved in or out during normal quiet breathing, about 500 ml.
  • Inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)
    Additional air forcibly inhaled beyond tidal volume, about 3,100 ml.
  • Expiratory reserve volume (ERV)
    Additional air forcibly exhaled beyond tidal volume, about 1,200 ml.
  • Residual volume
    Air remaining in lungs after forced expiration, about 1,200 ml, keeps alveoli inflated.
  • Vital capacity formula
    Vital capacity = TV + IRV + ERV; total exchangeable air volume.
  • Dead space volume
    Air in conducting zone that does not reach alveoli, about 150 ml.
  • Functional volume
    Air that reaches the respiratory zone and participates in gas exchange, about 350 ml.