Human Respiratory System, Respiration, and Gas Exchange

Vocabulary flashcards covering the components and functions of the human respiratory system, breathing mechanisms, aerobic respiration, photosynthesis equations, and the ecological gas exchange cycle between producers and consumers.

Respiration

The chemical reaction that happens inside every living cell.

Aerobic respiration

The type of respiration that happens in cells where $O_2$ is used to release energy from food/nutrients, producing $CO_2$ as a waste product.

Human respiratory system

The body system that brings $O_2$ into the body and removes $CO_2$.

Nose / Mouth

Parts of the respiratory system that let air enter and leave the body.

Trachea (windpipe)

The airway tube that carries air from the nose / mouth towards the lungs.

Cartilage rings

Rings that keep the trachea open so air can pass through.

Bronchi

Two main air tubes that carry air into the left lung and right lung.

Bronchioles

Smaller branches that carry air deeper into the lungs.

Air sacs (alveoli)

Tiny sacs where $O_2$ enters the blood and $CO_2$ leaves the blood.

Lungs

The main organs for gas exchange that contain the bronchioles and air sacs.

Rib bone

Bones that protect the lungs and the heart.

Intercostal muscles

Muscles that help to move the ribs during breathing.

Diaphragm

A muscle that moves down and up to help breathe in and out.

Photosynthesis equation

The chemical process written as $CO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow C_6 + H_{12} + O_6 + O_2$ in the presence of sunlight.

Respiration equation

The chemical process written as $C_6H_{12}O_6 + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O$, in which $O_2$ is breathed in (inhaled) and $CO_2$ is breathed out (exhaled).

Producer-Consumer gas exchange cycle

A life cycle relationship where producers supply $O_2$ to consumers, and consumers supply $CO_2$ back to producers.