Respiration and the Respiratory System in Humans

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to respiration and the human respiratory system.

Releasing energy from food (glucose) using oxygen.

Aerobic Respiration

Releasing energy from food without using oxygen.

Anaerobic Respiration

Molecules that carry energy released during respiration.

ATP

The process of releasing energy from food (glucose) in cells.

Respiration

Muscles between the ribs that contract to expand the rib cage during breathing.

Intercostal Muscles

A muscle that contracts and flattens to increase the volume of the thorax during breathing in.

Diaphragm

The respiratory surface of the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Alveoli

The process where oxygen diffuses into the blood and carbon dioxide diffuses out of the blood in the alveoli.

Gaseous Exchange

Air that is breathed in.

Inspired Air

Air that is breathed out.

Expired Air

Small hairs that move mucus out of the lungs.

Cilia

A sticky substance that traps dust and bacteria in the air passages.

Mucus

The amount of extra oxygen the body needs to recover after anaerobic exercise.

Oxygen Debt

The two main air passages leading from the trachea to the lungs.

Bronchi

Smaller air passages branching from the bronchi within the lungs.

Bronchioles

A waste product produced during anaerobic respiration that can cause muscle pain.

Lactic Acid

The windpipe, a wide tube conducting air into the lungs.

Trachea

A condition where the walls of the alveoli break down, reducing surface area for gas exchange.

Emphysema

Chemical substances known to cause cancer, found in tar from tobacco smoke.

Carcinogens

The addictive drug in tobacco that makes smoking a hard habit to give up.

Nicotine

A gas in tobacco smoke that reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Carbon Monoxide

A dark brown, sticky substance in tobacco smoke that collects in the lungs and contains carcinogens.

Tar