Respiratory System

TRUE

Body cells require a continuous supply of oxygen.

carbon dioxide

As the cells use oxygen, they release _______, a waste product that the body must get rid of.

The major role of the respiratory system

supply the body with the oxygen it needs and dispose of carbon dioxide. 

Functions of the Respiratory System

• Oversees gas exchanges (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the blood and external environment

• Exchange of gasses takes place within the lungs in the alveoli(only site of gas exchange, other structures passageways

• Passageways to the lungs purify, warm, and humidify the incoming air

• Shares responsibility with cardiovascular system

Organs of the Respiratory System

• Nose

• Pharynx

• Larynx

• Trachea

• Bronchi

• Lungs – alveoli

Palate

Roof of the mouth, separating the cavities of the nose and the mouth

Concha

Any of the several, thin, scroll-shaped bony elements forming the upper chambers of the nasal cavities

Epiglottis

A small, movable “lid” just above the larynx that prevents food and drink from entering the windpipe

Glottis

The middle part of the larynx where the vocal chords are located

Esophagus

Food and fluid passageway inferior to the laryngopharynx

Pharynx

Muscular passage from nasal cavity to the larynx, also known as throat

Larynx

A hollow tube that connects your throat to the rest of your respiratory system

Thyroid Cartilage

Protrudes anteriorly, aka Adam’s Apple

Vocal Cord

Vibrate with expelled air to create sound, aka vocal folds

Trachea

Connects larynx with the bronchi, aka windpipe

Visceral Pleura

Covers the lungs and interlobar fissures

Parietal Pleura

Lines the ribs, diaphragm, and mediastinum

Lungs

Occupy most of the thoracic cavity

Primary Bronchi

Formed by the division of the trachea

Bronchioles

Smallest branches of bronchi

Terminal Bronchioles

end in alveoli

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles

Mechanisms of Respiration

Inhalation and Exhalation

Inspiration

Period of breathing when air enters the lungs, initiated by contraction of the inspiratory muscles

Internal Respiration

The exchange of gasses with the internal environment occurs in the tissues, exchange of gases between the systemic capillary blood and body cells

Expiration

The process of letting air out of the lungs during the breathing cycle, pushes air out of the lungs

External Respiration

The formal term for gas exchange, describes both the bulk flow of air into and out of the lungs and the transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide into the bloodstream through diffusion

External Respiration

Involves both bringing air into the lungs and releasing air into the atmosphere

Ventilation

The alternate flushing of air into and out the lungs, commonly referred to as breathing