Chapter 23: The Respiratory System Overview

Gas Exchange

Process of O2 and CO2 exchange in lungs.

Cellular Respiration

O2 delivery and CO2 elimination for cells.

Upper Respiratory System

Anatomy above the larynx.

Lower Respiratory System

Anatomy below the larynx.

Nasal Cavity

Airway lined with respiratory mucosa.

Respiratory Mucosa

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium lining airways.

Olfactory Mucosa

Contains sensory receptors for smell.

Pharynx

Throat divided into three sections.

Trachea

Windpipe containing hyaline cartilage rings.

Primary Bronchi

Main air passages to each lung.

Carina

Cartilage flap triggering coughing reflex.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Releases norepinephrine for airway dilation.

Lungs

Organs with lobes for gas exchange.

Pleura

Double-layered membranes surrounding lungs.

Visceral Layer

Inner pleura attached to lung tissue.

Parietal Layer

Outer pleura lining thoracic cavity.

Respiratory Bronchioles

Bronchioles with alveoli for gas exchange.

Alveoli

Microscopic sacs where gas exchange occurs.

Type I Cells

Simple squamous epithelium in alveoli.

Type II Cells

Secrete surfactant to reduce surface tension.

Respiratory Membrane

Alveolar and capillary walls for gas exchange.

Boyle's Law

Pressure and volume of gases are inversely related.

Intrapleural Pressure

Pressure in pleural space, ~4mmHg less than atmosphere.

Tidal Volume (TV)

Air volume during normal breathing.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)

Air volume inhaled after normal inhalation.

Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)

Air volume exhaled after normal exhalation.

Residual Volume

Air remaining in lungs post-exhalation.

Vital Capacity (VC)

Total exchangeable air in lungs.

Dalton's Law

Total pressure equals sum of individual gas pressures.

Henry's Law

Gas solubility in liquid proportional to partial pressure.

O2 Transport

98.5% O2 bound to hemoglobin in blood.

Carbon Dioxide Transport

CO2 transported as dissolved gas, bound to Hb, or bicarbonate.

Control of Breathing

Regulated by medulla oblongata and pons.