The Respiratory System

Flashcards covering the key concepts of the respiratory system, including its functions, anatomy, and physiology.

The major functions of the respiratory system include allowing for the exchange of and between the air and blood.

oxygen and carbon dioxide

The respiratory system conducts air from outside the body towards the __ and back out.

lungs

The respiratory system helps to __, moisten, and filter the air.

warm

The __ is composed of the nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx.

upper respiratory tract

The pharynx has three sections, which are the nasopharynx, __, and laryngopharynx.

oropharynx

The __ are located inside the larynx and are responsible for producing sound.

vocal cords

The trachea and bronchi are reinforced with __ to prevent collapse.

cartilage

Chronic bronchitis can result from smoking, leading to paralyzed cilia and excess __ buildup.

mucus

The smallest respiratory passages are called __ and carry air to/from the bronchi to the alveoli.

bronchioles

Gas exchange occurs in the __, which are clusters of tiny sacs surrounded by capillaries.

alveoli

Pulmonary ventilation involves __ air into and out of the lungs.

moving

Exhalation occurs when the volume of the __ cavity decreases, increasing pressure and pushing air out.

thoracic

External respiration refers to the exchange of gases between air in the lungs and __.

blood

In internal respiration, oxygen moves from blood into __ cells, while carbon dioxide moves from cells into blood.

body

Most carbon dioxide in the blood is transported as __ ions.

bicarbonate

High levels of carbon dioxide in the blood stimulate __ to increase breathing rate.

the brain stem