Chapter 10: Respiratory System (Human Bio)

Summarize the role of the respiratory system in the body.

Helps maintain homeostasis by ensuring that oxygen enters the body and is delivered to the tissues and carbon dioxide is transported from the tissues to outside the body.

Distinguish between inspiration and expiration.

• Inspiration: Taking air into the lungs.

• Expiration: Taking air out of the lungs.

Identify and describe the functions of each of the organs of the respiratory system.

• Nasal Cavity: Filter, warm, and moisten the air.

• Pharynx: Connect nasal and oral cavities to the larynx.

• Larynx: Sound Projection.

• Trachea: Keeps lungs clean by sweeping mucus upward and connects the larynx to the bronchi.

• Bronchial Tree: Passage of air to the lungs.

• Lungs: Site of gas exchange between air in the alveoli and blood in the capillaries.

Trace the path of air from the nasal cavities to the lungs.

Air enters through the nasal cavity → goes through the pharynx and larynx → through the trachea and bronchial tree → into the lungs.

Compare and contrast inspiration and expiration.

• Inspiration: Bringing air into the lungs and decreasing air pressure in the alveoli. The active phase of ventilation.

• Expiration: Vacating air from the lungs and increasing air pressure in the alveoli. The passive phase of ventilation.

Explain how the nervous system controls the process of breathing.

The respiratory control center sends out nerve signals to the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles causing inspiration to occur. When it stops sending signals, expiration occurs.

Distinguish between external and internal respiration.

• External: Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the alveoli and the blood.

• Internal: Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and interstitial fluid.

Identify various disorders of the respiratory system including their symptoms and treatment.

Sinusitis: Infection of the sinuses, caused by a blockage of the opening to the sinuses and characterized by postnasal discharge and facial pain.

Tonsillitis: Infection of the tonsils that causes inflammation and can spread to the middle ears.

Laryngitis: Infection of the larynx with accompanying hoarseness.

Acute Bronchitis: Infection of the primary and secondary bronchi.

Pneumonia: Infection of the lungs that causes alveoli to fill with mucous and pus.

Tuberculosis: Infection of the lungs, caused by the bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Pulmonary Fibrosis: Accumulation of fibrous connective tissue in the lungs; caused by inhaling irritating particles, such as silica, coal dust, or asbestos.

Chronic Bronchitis: Obstructive pulmonary disorder that tends to recur; marked by inflamed airways filled with mucus and degenerative changes in the bronchi, including loss of cilia. Mainly caused by smoking or exposure to other pollutants.

Explain how smoking relates to respiratory and other diseases.