Respiratory System Flashcards

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts of the respiratory system.

What is pulmonary ventilation?

Movement of air between the atmosphere and alveoli (inhalation and exhalation).

What is the Bohr effect?

A decrease in pH or increase in CO2 causes hemoglobin to release oxygen more readily.

How many oxygen molecules can hemoglobin bind?

Each hemoglobin can bind four oxygen molecules.

Which lung is larger?

The right lung is larger than the left.

What type of epithelium lines the alveoli?

Simple squamous epithelium.

Which alveolar cells secrete surfactant?

Type II alveolar cells.

What is the function of hemoglobin?

Transports oxygen in the blood.

Which part of the nasal cavity detects odor?

The superior part of the nasal cavity (olfactory region).

What are the C-shaped cartilages in the trachea for?

They keep the trachea open.

What forms the respiratory membrane?

Alveolar epithelium, capillary endothelium, and their fused basement membranes.

What receptors prevent over-inflation of the lungs?

Baroreceptors (stretch receptors).

What is the primary function of the larynx?

Voice production.

What is tidal volume?

The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during quiet breathing.

What is the first conducting structure for inhaled air?

The nose.

What causes lateral thoracic volume changes?

Movement of the rib cage.

What connects the nasopharynx to the middle ear?

The eustachian tube.

What causes vertical thoracic volume changes?

Movement of the diaphragm.

What narrows bronchiole diameter?

Bronchoconstriction (smooth muscle contraction).

What is eupnea?

Normal quiet breathing.

What keeps the lungs inflated?

Intrapleural pressure, which is always lower than intrapulmonary pressure.

What direction does the rib cage move during forced expiration?

Inferiorly, down, and posteriorly.

Can hemoglobin transport CO2?

True - it can bind CO2 to form carbaminohemoglobin.

What receptors increase breathing rate during movement?

Proprioceptors.

Which brain region controls voluntary breathing?

The frontal lobe.

What is the main stimulus for breathing?

High levels of carbon dioxide (CO2).

What decreases resistance in bronchioles?

Bronchodilation.

What condition narrows bronchiole lumens?

Asthma.

What do central chemoreceptors detect in CSF?

Changes in hydrogen ion (H) concentration.

What compound decreases oxygen binding to Hb?

2,3-BPG.

Where does internal respiration occur?

Between blood and body tissues (systemic capillaries).