Model of the Breathing System and Gas Exchange

What is the role of the trachea in the breathing system?

The trachea, also known as the windpipe, serves as a passageway for air to travel from the throat to the lungs. It is lined with cilia and mucus to trap particles and prevent them from entering the lungs. and is being compared to glass tube

How do balloons represent the lungs in the breathing model?

Balloons can inflate and deflate, mimicking the expansion and contraction of the lungs during breathing.

Why is the bell jar not an effective representation of the ribcage?

The bell jar is made of glass and cannot move like the ribs do.

What does the rubber sheet in the model represent?

The rubber sheet represents the diaphragm muscle, which can stretch.

What is the difference between inspiration and expiration in terms of energy?

Inspiration is the active phase of breathing that requires energy, while expiration is the passive phase that does not require energy.

What happens to the external intercostal muscles during inspiration?

The external intercostal muscles contract, causing the ribs to move upwards and outwards.

What occurs during expiration?

The external intercostal muscles relax, the diaphragm contracts and moves inward, and the thoracic cavity volume decreases.

What is the effect of atmospheric pressure during inhalation?

Atmospheric pressure is higher than the pressure in the lungs, causing air to flow into the lungs.

How is carbon dioxide transported in the blood?

Most carbon dioxide is transported as bicarbonate ions, while some combines with hemoglobin to form carbaminohemoglobin.

What is the composition of inspired air compared to expired air?

Inspired air contains approximately 21% oxygen and 0.04% carbon dioxide, while expired air contains about 15% oxygen and 4% carbon dioxide.

What is the process of gaseous exchange in the tissues?

Oxygen diffuses from the blood in capillaries to the tissue fluid and then into the cells, while carbon dioxide diffuses from the cells into the blood.

How does oxygen transport occur in the blood?

Most oxygen combines with hemoglobin in red blood cells to form oxyhemoglobin, while a small portion dissolves in blood plasma.

What is the role of alveoli in gaseous exchange?

Alveoli provide a large surface area for gas exchange, allowing oxygen to diffuse into the blood and carbon dioxide to diffuse out.

What happens to the concentration of oxygen in the alveoli compared to blood in capillaries?

The inhaled air in the alveoli has a higher concentration of oxygen than the blood in the surrounding capillaries.

What occurs to carbon dioxide during the gaseous exchange in the alveoli?

Carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood in the capillaries into the alveoli.

What is the significance of the thin walls of the alveoli and capillaries?

The thin walls facilitate efficient diffusion of gases between the alveoli and blood.

How do the abdominal muscles contribute to expiration?

The abdominal muscles contract, forcing abdominal contents upwards against the diaphragm, increasing thoracic cavity pressure.

What is the function of the diaphragm during inhalation?

The diaphragm contracts and flattens, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity.

What is the relationship between thoracic cavity volume and air pressure during inhalation?

The volume of the thoracic cavity increases, leading to a decrease in pressure, allowing air to flow in.

How does the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood compare to that in the tissues?

The concentration of carbon dioxide is higher in the tissues than in the blood in the capillaries.

What is the role of squamous epithelium in the alveoli?

The squamous epithelium provides a thin barrier for efficient gas exchange.

What happens to the volume of the thoracic cavity during expiration?

The volume of the thoracic cavity decreases, increasing pressure and forcing air out of the lungs.

What is the primary gas exchange process that occurs in the alveoli?

Oxygen from the alveoli diffuses into the blood, while carbon dioxide from the blood diffuses into the alveoli.

What is the role of hemoglobin in gas transport?

Hemoglobin binds to oxygen to form oxyhemoglobin, facilitating oxygen transport in the blood.