Topic 8-Human espiration

Active Transport

Movement of substance against their concentration gradient

from a low concentration to a high concetation

using energy from respiration

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in lungs where gas exchange occurs

oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide is removed

Breathing

Physical process of moving air in and out of the lungs

Involves inhalation and exhalation

Bronchi

The two main airways that branch off from the bronchi, leading to alveoli

Bronchiole

Small airways that branch off from the bronchi, leading to alveoli

Carbon dioxide

A waste gas produced during respiration, is expelled from the body through the lungs

Cilia

Tiny hair-like structures on the surface of cells in the respiratory tract

Helps remove mucus and trap particles out of the airways

Concentration Gradient

Difference in concentration of a substance between 2 areas

Coronary Heat disease

A condition where the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked

reducing blood flow to the heart muscle

Diaphragm

A large, dome-shaped muscle at the base of the thorax that contracts and relaxes to help with breathing

Gas exchange

Process where oxygen is absorbed into the blood and carbon dioxide is released from the blood in the alveoli of the lungs

Adaptation of Cartilage

-Rings made out of a though material called cartilage 

-Help to hold the tube open 

-Important to be C shape and not complete ring 

So able to expand slightly during inhalation 

Adaptation of Goblet and Ciliated Cells 

-Specialised cells-have cilia on  

the top edge of cell 

-In between the ciliated epithelial cells are goblet cells 

-The cells produce mucus  

-Mucus is a sticky substance that traps dirt, dust and microorgasnisms before the lungs 

-Cilia move backward and forward 

-Moves mucus along the airway  

and out of the nose or mouth 

Adaptation of alveoli

-One cell thick and surrounded by capillaries 
(makes diffusion quick and gas exchange efficient) 
-Moist to prevent them drying out and becoming damaged 

-Helps gasses dissolve, they can be exchanged more easily  

-1000's of them in each long, folded increasing surface area  

-Good blood supple surrounding each alveoli=> maintain steep concentration gradient  

Adaptation of Pleural cavity

Pleural fluid → reduces friction between the lungs and chest wall as they move (inhalation and exhalation with minimal friction )

Pleural membranes → help keep the lungs sealed against the chest wall.  

Negative pressure → helps keep the lungs inflated during breathing.