respiratory system

Trachea

Called the windpipe, it is strong cartilaginous tube that conducts air to and from the lungs. Located between the larynx and the bronchi and in front of the esophagus.

Larynx

Adams apple; voice box; glottis

Nasal Passages

The olfactory receptors are located within these cavities.

Pharynx

Called the throat

Nasal Sinuses

Spaces in the skull that allow for speech and sound.

Lungs

Large, soft, cone shaped organs that contain the respiratory passages and pulmonary capillaries; they fill most of the thoracic cavity.

Alveoli

The exchange of the gases (O2andCO2) between the air and blood occurs here. Structures encircled by the pulmonary capillaries.

Bronchioles

Small respiratory tubes that deliver oxygen to the alveoli.

Bronchi

The trachea splits into the right and left.

Glottis

The space between the vocal cords

Esophagus

The epiglottis directs food and water from the respiratory passages into this structure.

Pleura

Membrane on the outer surface of each lung.

Diaphragm

Muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. Dome-shaped muscle that is the chief muscle for inhalation.

Thoracic Cavity

Contains the lungs and heart

Intercostals

Skeletal muscles between the ribs; move the rib cage up and out during inhlation.

Primary function of the respiratory system

Exchanges gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide).

Epiglottis

This is so important because it forms a lid over the larynx, during swallowing preventing the entrance of food and water into the respiratory passages.

Cartilaginous Rings

Rings that prevent the collapse of the trachea. Keeps it open at all times.

Primary role of the Bronchioles

Provide air to the alveoli.

Lungs

Lower bronchi, bronchioles, and the alveoli are the respiratory structures located in these.

eupnea

Normal breathing

Nasal passages

filter, moisten, and warm air

Inhalation

diaphragm contracts (moves down)

Exhalation

diaphragm relaxes (moves up)

Cilia

tiny hairs that line the respiratory tract to keep out dust and particles

Alveoli

site of gas exchange

Skeletal System

protection (rib cage) and speech and sound (skull)

Muscular System

contracts and expands to aid in breathing (diaphragm and intercostals)

Circulatory System

picks up O2 and drops off CO2 (alveoli and capillaries)

Nervous System

sense of smell (olfactory receptors in nasal passageways)

Respiratory Arrest

failure to resume breathing after a period of apnea

Emphysema

a condition in which the air sacs of the lungs are damaged; decrease gas exchange and cause breathlessness; long term smoking

Dyspnea

difficult or labored breathing

Pleurisy

an inflammation of the pleura that produces sharp chest pain with each breath

Asthma

episodes of breathing difficulty due to narrowed, swollen or obstructed airways; wheezing

Cystic Fibrosis

A genetic disorder characterized by an excessive secretion of mucus and consequent vulnerability to infection

Functions of the respiratory system

a. gas exchange

b. regulation of blood pH

c. speech and sound production

d. olfaction

e. filtering, warming and moistening air

Pharynx

throat; branches into esophagus and larynx

Speech

comes from the fibrous bands across the larynx

Trachea

windpipe

Bronchi

two short branches located at the lower end of the trachea that carry air into the lungs.

Bronchioles

airways in the lungs that lead from the bronchi to the alveoli.

Alveoli

air sacs in the lungs; gas exchange; capillaries surround alveoli

Lungs

main organs of the respiratory system

Pleura

membrane surrounding the lungs

Cilia

tiny hairs; propels the mucous towards the pharynx, where it is swallowed

Diaphragm

Large, flat muscle at the bottom of the chest cavity that helps with breathing

Intercostals

muscles between the ribs

Eupnea

normal breathing

Larynx

voice box