Human Respiration and Gas Exchange

Vocabulary terms and definitions related to the anatomy and physiology of human respiration, gas exchange, and cellular energy production.

Alveoli (Lungenbläschen)

The small air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs and which are surrounded by a network of thin blood vessels called capillaries.

Capillaries (Kapillaren)

Extremely thin-walled blood vessels that surround the alveoli, allowing oxygen to enter the blood and carbon dioxide to exit it.

Gas Exchange (Gasaustausch)

The process occurring in the alveoli where oxygen from the inhaled air enters the blood, while carbon dioxide from the blood enters the lungs to be exhaled.

Cellular Respiration (Zellatmung)

The internal respiration process where energy-rich nutrients (like glucose) are converted using oxygen into water, carbon dioxide, and energy.

Glucose (Traubenzucker)

An energy-rich nutrient provided by nutrition that is broken down during cellular respiration to provide chemical energy and heat for life processes.

Cellular Respiration Word Equation

The process described as: ext{Glucose} + ext{Oxygen} ightarrow ext{Water} + ext{Carbon Dioxide} + ext{Energy}

Abdominal Breathing (Bauchatmung)

Breathing driven by the diaphragm; inhalation occurs when the diaphragm contracts and flattens, while exhalation occurs when it relaxes and arches upward.

Chest Breathing (Brustatmung)

Breathing that involves the contraction of the intercostal muscles to lift the chest cavity, typically added during physical exertion.

Diaphragm (Zwerchfell)

The muscle responsible for abdominal breathing that creates negative pressure by contracting and flattening.

Intercostal Muscles (Zwischenrippenmuskulatur)

Muscles located between the ribs that contract to raise the ribcage during chest breathing.

Pleura (Lungen- und Rippenfell)

Membranes connected by a thin film of fluid that ensure the lungs expand passively when the chest cavity expands.

Negative Pressure (Unterdruck)

The physical state created in the chest cavity when the diaphragm contracts, causing air to flow into the lungs.