Honors Respiratory System Structures

What is the nasal cavity?

A hollow space in the nose that filters, warms, and moistens incoming air.

What do nasal conchae do?

Curved bones that increase surface area to better warm and humidify air.

What is the pharynx?

A shared passageway for air and food that connects the nose to the larynx.

Function of the larynx?

Produces sound and keeps airway open; contains vocal cords.

What does the epiglottis do?

Flap that closes over the airway during swallowing to prevent choking.

Function of the hard palate?

Separates nasal and oral cavities.

What is the mediastinum?

Central space between lungs containing the heart, trachea, and major vessels.

What is the trachea?

Windpipe that carries air from the larynx to the bronchi.

What do bronchi do?

Large airways that branch from the trachea into the lungs and divide into smaller tubes.

What are bronchioles?

Small airways that regulate airflow and lead to alveoli.

What are alveoli?

Tiny air sacs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.

Function of the lungs?

Main organs of respiration where gas exchange occurs.

What is visceral pleura?

Membrane that directly covers the lungs.

What is parietal pleura?

Membrane lining the chest wall.

Function of the diaphragm?

Main breathing muscle that contracts to allow inhalation.