Cheat Sheet 11: Respiratory System

Gas Exchange

Process of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.

Inhalation

Diaphragm contracts, increasing lung volume.

Exhalation

Diaphragm relaxes, decreasing lung volume.

Nose

Filters, moistens, and warms inhaled air.

Pharynx

Throat; passage for food and air.

Larynx

Voice box; triggers cough reflex for non-gas.

Trachea

Windpipe; contains C-shaped cartilage rings.

Bronchi

Two main air passages entering lungs.

Bronchioles

Narrow branches of bronchi leading to alveoli.

Alveoli

Small sacs for gas exchange with capillaries.

Pulmonary Vein

Carries oxygenated blood from lungs to heart.

Bicarbonate Ion

Main form of CO2 transport in blood.

Hemoglobin

Protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells.

Alveolar Sac

Cluster of alveoli for efficient gas exchange.

Surfactant

Substance reducing surface tension in alveoli.

Thoracic Cavity

Chest area housing lungs and diaphragm.

Medulla Oblongata

Brain center controlling respiration rate.

Dissociation Curve

Graph showing hemoglobin's oxygen binding affinity.

Goblet Cells

Secrete mucus in respiratory epithelium.

Basal Cells

Produce new cells in respiratory epithelium.

Cilia Cells

Sweep debris trapped by mucus in airways.

Pleurae

Membranes covering lungs and chest cavity.

Visceral Pleura

Lining directly on lung surface.

Parietal Pleura

Lining inside of chest cavity.

Intrapleural Space

Space between visceral and parietal pleura.

Intercostal Muscles

Muscles aiding in the breathing process.

Chemoreceptors

Cells measuring gas concentrations in blood.

Central Chemoreceptors

Monitor H+ in cerebrospinal fluid.

Peripheral Chemoreceptors

Monitor CO2, O2, and pH in arteries.

Countercurrent Exchange

Maximizes diffusion in fish gills.

CADET Mnemonic

Factors shifting oxygen dissociation curve to the right. CO2, 2,4-DPG, Exercise, and Temp. Reduced binding affinity to hemoglobin

Carbonic Anhydrase

Enzyme converting CO2 to bicarbonate in blood.