Unit 7: Respiratory System

Flashcards related to the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system, including key terms and their definitions.

Frontal sinus

A hollow space in the frontal bone that produces mucus and is involved in the respiratory system.

Nasal cavity

The hollow space behind the nose, responsible for filtering, warming, and moistening air.

Trachea

The windpipe that connects the larynx to the bronchi and allows air passage to the lungs.

Bronchus

The two main air passages that branch from the trachea into the lungs.

Alveoli

Thin-walled air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs between air and blood.

Diaphragm

A dome-shaped skeletal muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and plays a critical role in breathing.

Inspiration

The process of inhalation, where air is drawn into the lungs.

Expiration

The process of exhalation, where air is expelled from the lungs.

External respiration

The exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the lungs and blood.

Internal respiration

The exchange of gases between the blood and body tissues.

Pulmonary ventilation

The process of moving air into and out of the lungs.

Regulation of Breathing

The process by which breathing rate is controlled by the brainstem in response to CO2 and pH levels in the blood.

Asthma

An inflammatory disease causing airway obstruction and symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath.

Pneumonia

Inflammation of the lungs caused by infection, resulting in fluid accumulation in the alveoli.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

A condition caused by CO interfering with red blood cells' ability to transport oxygen, often from vehicle exhaust.

Cystic Fibrosis

A genetic disorder causing thick, sticky mucus production, leading to respiratory issues and increased infection risk.

Pulmonary aspiration

The entry of material into lower respiratory tract, which can lead to infection or damage.

Vital capacity

maximum volume a person can exhale after taking the deepest possible breath

residual volume

volume that remains in lungs after most forceful expiration

blood concentration increase. breathing rate?

increase

total lung capacity

vital capacity plus residual volume

respiratory areas in the brain

pon and medulla oblongata

Inspiration diaphram

flattens/ contract

muscles help force out more that normal volume of air by pulling the ribs downwards and inward

internal intercoastal muscles

expiratory reserve volume

volume in addition to tidal volume that leaves the lungs during forced expiration