Respiratory System

Explain the process of breathing

Air enters through nasal openings→nasal cavity→pharynx→trachea→right bronchi→left bronchi→bronchioles→alveoli

Describe the function of the respiratory system

The respiratory system mediates the uptake of oxygen needed for metabolism and the release of carbon dioxide. Transports oxygen into the body’s blood and removing carbon dioxide from the body’s cells

Explain alveoli

The site of gas exchange, thin walled, one cell thick

Describe type 1 and type 2 alveolar cells

Type 1 alveolar cells: make up the alveolar wall

Type 2 alveolar cells: release a lipoprotein called a surfactant that reduces surface tension

How many lobes does the right and left lung have?

Right lobe= 3, superior, middle, inferior

Left lobe= 2, superior, inferior

How does gas exchange in the lungs occur?

By diffusion which is a passive transport mechanism

Explain ventilation

The mechanical movement of air in and out the lungs. Ventilation occurs as a combination of muscle action and negative pressure

Describe what increases the volume of the lungs

The diaphragm and the intercostal muscles between the ribs contract simultaneously to increase the volume of the lungs. This decreases the pressure in the lungs and draws air in. (inspiration/inhalation)

Describe what increases the pressure in lungs

The diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, causing a reduction in lung volume and an increase in pressure in the lungs and causing air to be pushed out. (expiration, expulsion of air)

Define tidal volume and residual volume

Tidal volume: the amount of air breathed in and out out of the lungs during a normal breath

Residual volume: the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximum forced expiration

Effects of hyperventilation

bringing in more oxygen, pH is basic, respiratory alkalosis, causing hypocapnia and hyperoxia

Effects of hyperventilation

increased CO2 in body, respiratory acidosis, pH os acidic, causing hypercapnia and hypoxia

Define hypercapnia and hypocapnia

Hypercapnia is excess carbon dioxide in bloodstream

Hypocapnia is reduced carbon dioxide in the bloodstream caused by ventilation

Define hyperoxia and hypoxia

Hyperoxia: excess oxygen in bloodstream

Hypoxia: not receiving enough oxygen in body tissues