U4 D10 Respiratory Systems and Gas Exchange

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to respiratory systems and gas exchange.

Respiration

The process of breathing and the exchange of gases.

Cellular Respiration

The metabolic processes that convert biochemical energy from nutrients into ATP.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Oxygen Transport

The method by which oxygen is carried from the lungs to body tissues.

EPO (Erythropoietin)

A hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.

Pneumothorax

A condition where air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall.

Inhalation

The process of taking air into the lungs.

Exhalation

The process of releasing air from the lungs.

Diffusion

The movement of gas molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Vascularized Membrane

A membrane that is supplied with blood vessels.

Tracheal System

The respiratory system of insects that consists of a network of tubes.

Countercurrent Exchange

A mechanism that enhances the efficiency of gas exchange in fish gills.

Tidal Volume

The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing.

Vital Capacity

The maximum amount of air a person can exhale after a maximum inhalation.

Residual Volume

The amount of air remaining in the lungs after exhalation.

Ventilation

The process of moving air in and out of the lungs.

Integrated Respiratory System

A respiratory system that works in conjunction with a circulatory system.

Amoeba

A unicellular organism that does not require a respiratory system due to its size.

Gills

The respiratory organs in fish that allow for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in water.

Spiracles

Small openings on the surface of insects for the entry of air.

Nasal Cavity

The space within the nose that filters and warms incoming air.

Alveolar Surface Area

The total area of all alveoli; approximately 50 times the surface area of the skin.

RBCs (Red Blood Cells)

Cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues.

Saturation

The level of oxygen percentage that can be carried by hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Cellular Metabolism

The sum of all biochemical processes that occur within a cell.

Mammal Breathing Efficiency

Mammals generally expend only 1-2% of energy for breathing.

Aquatic Animals

Animals that live in water and have adaptations for oxygen acquisition from the aquatic environment.

Amphibians

Cold-blooded vertebrates that can have gills during their larval stage and lungs as adults.

Hypoxia

A deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.

Diaphragm

A muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and aids in breathing.

Ventilation Pathways

The routes through which air moves in and out of the lungs.

Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion

A technique used to evaluate lungs outside the body before transplantation.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

A medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room.

Competitive Sports EPO Implications

The ethical concerns surrounding the use of synthetic EPO to enhance athletic performance.