BIO 208 General Physiology - Respiration Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the concepts of animal physiology, modes of respiration, ATP energetics, and the mechanics of human breathing based on the BIO 208 lecture.

Respiration

The process of releasing energy from food inside the cells of the body by taking in oxygen, using it to burn food, and eliminating waste products like $CO_2$ and water.

Respiration in Amoeba

Takes place by the simple diffusion of gases through the cell membrane.

Earthworm respiratory organ

The skin, which is used to absorb oxygen from air and remove carbon dioxide.

Gills

The respiratory organs of aquatic animals like fish, prawns, and mussels that extract oxygen dissolved in water.

Spiracles and Tracheae

The respiratory organs of insects such as grasshoppers, cockroaches, houseflies, and mosquitoes.

Frog respiratory organs

Frogs are unique land animals that breathe using both lungs and skin.

Common features of respiratory surfaces

A large surface area for oxygen absorption, thin walls for easy diffusion, and a rich blood supply (except in the tracheal system).

Tracheal system respiration

A system of respiration found in insects where air reaches the cells directly.

Breathing

A physical process and mechanism by which organisms obtain oxygen from the air and release carbon dioxide using the lungs.

Cellular Respiration (Biochemical)

A complex biochemical process occurring in the mitochondria involving the oxidation of food to release energy.

ATP (Adenosine Tri-Phosphate)

The energy currency of cells; energy produced during respiration is stored in these molecules and used by the organism when required.

ADP (Adenosine Di-Phosphate)

A low energy substance that combines with inorganic phosphate and energy from respiration to form ATP.

Inorganic Phosphate

A substance containing a phosphate group made up of phosphorous and oxygen.

ATP Energy Release Value

When ATP is broken down using water to release energy for cell use, the released energy is equivalent to $30.5\,kJ/mole$.

Aerobic Respiration

Respiration which uses oxygen to completely break down glucose into carbon dioxide and water; it occurs in the mitochondria.

Anaerobic Respiration

Respiration which takes place without oxygen in the cytoplasm of cells, resulting in a partial breakdown of food.

Yeast Anaerobic Respiration Products

Ethanol, carbon dioxide, and energy.

Lactic Acid

A product of anaerobic respiration in human muscles during vigorous exercise; its accumulation causes muscle cramps.

Thoracic Cavity

The body cavity where the lungs are located.

Inspiration

An active process of taking in air where the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, increasing thoracic volume and creating negative pressure.

Expiration

The process of expelling air; it is primarily passive during normal breathing through elastic recoil but active during forceful breathing using abdominal muscles.

Medulla and Pons

Parts of the brainstem responsible for neural control of breathing; the medulla coordinates rhythmicity while the pons modifies rate and depth.

Chemoreceptors

Sensors in the brainstem and major blood vessels that detect carbon dioxide levels and pH to regulate the ventilation rate.

Oxygen Transport

Involves oxygen diffusing across the respiratory membrane and binding to hemoglobin molecules in red blood cells.

Carbon Dioxide Transport

Carbon dioxide is carried by red blood cells as bicarbonate ions ($HCO_3^-$) or dissolved in plasma.

Lung Diseases

The transcript lists three common examples: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Asthma, and Pneumonia.