Honors Anatomy Respiratory System Physiology and Functions

What happens during inspiration?

Diaphragm contracts, chest expands, air is pulled into lungs.

What happens during expiration?

Diaphragm relaxes, lungs recoil, air is pushed out.

What is gas exchange?

Oxygen moves into blood and carbon dioxide moves out at the alveoli.

What is cellular respiration?

Cells use oxygen to produce energy (ATP) and release carbon dioxide.

How is oxygen transported?

Bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells.

How is CO₂ removed?

Transported in blood and exhaled through lungs.

How does the respiratory system regulate pH?

By controlling carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

How does the system protect itself?

Mucus traps particles; cilia sweep them out.

How do lungs fight infection?

Immune cells (like macrophages) destroy pathogens.

How is air conditioned?

Air is warmed and moistened in nasal passages.

Examples of respiratory reflexes?

Coughing and sneezing to clear airways.

What controls breathing rate?

Brain (medulla) responds to CO₂ levels.