Human Respiratory System Lecture Notes

Practice questions covering the anatomy and function of the human respiratory system based on the lecture notes.

What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

To breathe in oxygen for respiration and breathe out carbon dioxide produced by respiration.

Through which external openings of the nose is air taken into the body?

Nostrils

What are the functions of the fine hairs and mucus that line the nasal passage?

They help to filter the air entering through the nostrils.

Into which part of the respiratory system does the nasal chamber open to pass air to the larynx?

Pharynx

Where is the larynx (sound box) located, and what is its secondary function?

It is located in the neck region in front of the trachea and it produces sound.

What is the role of the incomplete rings of cartilage present in the trachea?

They keep the trachea open to allow the passage of air and ensure that the air passage does not collapse.

What tubes does the trachea divide into after entering the thoracic cavity?

Bronchi

What are the smaller subdivisions of the bronchi called?

Bronchioles

How are alveoli described and what is their function?

They are balloon-like structures that provide the surface area for the exchange of gases.

When spread out, what is the approximate surface area of the human alveolar surface?

$$80\,m^2$$

What is found in the walls of the alveoli to facilitate gas exchange?

An extensive network of blood vessels.

What is the function of the lungs in relation to $O_2$ and $CO_2$?

Lungs allow the transport of $O_2$ from the atmosphere into blood and release $CO_2$ from blood to the atmosphere.

How many pairs of bones form the rib cage in the thoracic region?

$12$ pairs

What is the diaphragm?

A muscular partition present between the thorax and the abdomen which forms the base of the chest cavity.