The Respiratory System (Unit Test)

Pharynx

The throat; a passage that air travels through after entering the mouth or nose.

Trachea

The windpipe that carries air from the back of the throat to the lungs.

Bronchi

Two branches that the trachea splits into, leading to the lungs.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs at the end of bronchi where gas exchange occurs.

Epithelial cells

Cells lining the trachea and bronchi, which produce mucus and contain cilia.

Diffusion

Process by which oxygen enters the lungs and carbon dioxide leaves, moving from higher to lower concentration.

Capillaries

Tiny blood vessels surrounding each alveolus where gas exchange occurs.

Gas exchange

The primary function of the respiratory system, involving the diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Inhalation

The process of drawing air into the lungs.

Exhalation

The process of expelling air from the lungs.

Diaphragm

A large muscle under the lungs that assists in breathing.

Intercostal muscles

Muscles between the ribs that help expand and contract the rib cage during breathing.

Control of Breathing

Breathing is involuntary and regulated by the brain based on CO2 levels in the blood.

Tuberculosis (TB)

An infectious disease caused by bacteria that primarily affects the lungs.

Symptoms of TB

Fever, cough, weight loss, tiredness, and chest pain.

SARS

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, a viral respiratory illness with flu-like symptoms.

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, primarily caused by smoking, leading to obstructive bronchitis and emphysema.

Carcinogen

A substance capable of causing cancer, commonly found in tobacco smoke.

Lung cancer

A type of cancer affected by smoking, involving carcinogens that can lead to lung disease.

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchi characterized by long-term cough and mucus production.

Emphysema

A condition causing permanent damage to alveoli, reducing their elasticity and gas exchange surface area.

Oxygen concentration

Higher in the alveoli than in the blood, facilitating oxygen diffusion into the blood.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) diffusion

CO2 travels from cells through the blood to the alveoli for expulsion.

Surface area of alveoli

Equals the size of a tennis court, optimized for gas exchange.

Chest X-ray

Imaging technique used to diagnose respiratory disorders, including TB and SARS.

Weight loss

A common symptom associated with tuberculosis.

Cilia

Hair-like projections on epithelial cells that help filter out foreign material.

Rib cage expansion

Occurs during inhalation as the intercostal muscles contract.

Rib cage contraction

Occurs during exhalation as the intercostal muscles relax.

Tobacco smoke hazards

First and second-hand tobacco smoke contribute significantly to respiratory diseases.

Pneumonia diagnosis

Made based on chest X-ray evidence and lab tests for respiratory viruses.

Dormant TB

Bacteria that may remain inactive in the body for decades without causing symptoms.

Respiratory symptoms

Fever, cough, and shortness of breath common in respiratory disorders.

Treatment for TB

Successful treatment includes medication and possibly hospitalization for a few weeks.

Lung capacity changes

Caused by the diaphragm and intercostal muscles adjusting the volume during breathing.

Air filtration

The process of trapping foreign particles in the respiratory tract before they reach the lungs.