Structure and Functions of the Respiratory System

Flashcards about the structure and functions of the respiratory system.

Functions of the Respiratory System

Brings air from the atmosphere into the lungs, transfers oxygen into the blood, removes carbon-dioxide from the blood, expels heat and water vapour, and allows vocal cords to create speech.

Structure of the Respiratory System

The lungs are the major organs. It consists of three main parts: The conducting system, the pleura, and the diaphragm.

Nasal Cavity

Initial pathway for air; warms and moistens air; filters foreign particles with cilia.

Pharynx

Section of the throat where the backs of the mouth and nose combine; warms air.

Larynx

Contains the vocal cords and creates voice as air passes through.

Trachea

Windpipe, constructed of rings of hyaline cartilage; passage of air into the lungs..

Bronchi/Bronchus

The trachea divides into two bronchi. Each bronchus feeds one of the lungs.

Bronchioles

Each bronchus sub-divides into a series of further sub-dividing bronchioles.Gradually diminishing series of air passages is similar to an inverted tree

Alveoli

Microscopic cup-shaped sacs at the ends of the smallest bronchiole; exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide and water.

Pleura

Covers each lung, Filled with a fluid that allows the lung to expand and contract with minimal friction. Attached to the inside of the chest cavity and to the top of the diaphragm.

Diaphragm

Involuntary muscle that contracts and relaxes to aid breathing; moves up and down to change chest cavity size.

Ventilation

Is the amount of air breathed in (inspiration) and out (expiration) during 1 minute

Inspiration

The diaphragm muscle contracts & flattens, Lungs expand, The chest cavity is enlarged & pressure reduced, Air is drawn in.

Expiration

Diaphragm relaxes & forms a dome shape, Lungs deflate, The chest cavity is reduced, Air is forced out.

Tidal Volume

Amount of air inspired and expired with each breath

Total Lung Capacity

Amount of air that can be held in your lungs after you breathe in maximally (so maximal inspiration)

Vital Capacity

Maximum amount of air that can be expired (breathed out) after maximal inspiration

Residual Volume

Amount of air left in the lungs at the end of maximal expiration

Inspiratory Reserve Capacity

Maximal amount of air that can be inspired after a normal inspiration

Expiratory Reserve Capacity

Maximal amount of air that can be expired after a normal expiration

VO2 Max

Is the maximum amount of oxygen per minute that can be taken in, transported to, and used by the working muscles to produce ATP.

Diffusion

Movement of a molecule from a higher concentration to a lower concentration

Responses of the Respiratory System to Physical Activity

Increased breathing rate, Increased tidal volume, Increased ventilation, Increased diffusion, Increased oxygen uptake (V0 2), Increased efforts from ribcage muscles and diaphragm