The Respiratory System

Flashcards about the respiratory system, covering key terms and definitions from the lecture notes.

Respiration

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between an organism and its external environment.

Purpose of Respiration

Brings O2 into the body; Takes CO2 out of the body.

3 Steps in Respiration

Breathing, Gas Exchange, Cellular Respiration.

Breathing

Inhalation and exhalation, bringing O2 into the body and taking CO2 out.

Gas Exchange

The transfer of gasses across a membrane via diffusion.

Diffusion

The movement of a substance from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

External Respiration

Transfer of gasses between the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs and the capillaries.

Gas Transportation in External Respiration

O2 binds to hemoglobin, CO2 binds to hemoglobin (9%), remains in plasma (27%), or dissolves in blood (67%).

Conditions for Gas Exchange

Large surface area, concentration gradient, thin, permeable surface, moist exchange surface.

Alveoli

Small structures in the lungs that increase surface area for gas exchange.

Concentration Gradient in Gas Exchange

O2 travels into the bloodstream, CO2 travels back into alveoli.

Thin, Permeable Surface

Alveolar walls are one cell thick to facilitate gas exchange.

Moist Exchange Surface

Alveoli are lined with mucus to maintain a moist exchange surface.

Internal Respiration

Transfer of gasses between the cells of the body and capillaries.

Cellular Respiration

Oxygen is used by cells to break down glucose and produce energy (ATP).

Cellular Respiration Equation

C6H12O6 + 6O2 -> 6H2O + 6CO2 + Energy (ATP)