Human Respiratory System

Flashcards about the human respiratory system.

Gas Exchange Surfaces Features

Large surface area, thin surface, good blood supply, good ventilation with air.

Breathing System Parts

Lungs, diaphragm, ribs, intercostal muscles, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli and associated capillaries.

Intercostal Muscles

Internal and external intercostal muscles.

Trachea Cartilage Function

Supports the airways and keeps them open.

Thorax Volume and Pressure Changes

Role of the ribs, internal and external intercostal muscles, and the diaphragm in producing volume and pressure changes in the thorax leading to the ventilation of the lungs.

Inspired vs Expired Air

Composition differences include Carbon Dioxide, Oxygen, and Water Vapor.

Physical Activity Effects on Breathing

Rate and depth of breathing increase.

Physical Activity and Breathing Link

Increased carbon dioxide concentration in the blood, detected by the brain, increases breathing rate and depth.

Breathing System Protection

Goblet cells, mucus, and ciliated cells protect the breathing system from pathogens and particles.

Alveoli Structural Adaptations

Large number (large surface area), moist, dense network of blood capillaries, one-cell thick walls.

Epiglottis

Flap that closes the air passage during swallowing.

Larynx

Voice box that produces sounds.

Trachea

Windpipe supported by C-shaped cartilage rings.

Bronchus

Tube-like structure at the lower end of the trachea.

Bronchioles

Smaller tubes branching from the bronchi.

Alveolus

Small air sacs at the end of bronchioles.

Lungs

Located in the thoracic cavity, protected by the rib cage.

External Intercostal Muscles

Located on the outside of the ribcage; pull the rib cage up.

Internal Intercostal Muscles

Located on the inside of the rib cage; pull the rib cage down.

Trachea Cartilage Function

Supports the airways and keeps them open during breathing.

Inhalation

Intercostal muscles contract, rib cage moves upward and outward, diaphragm contracts, thoracic cavity volume increases, pressure decreases, air enters the lungs.

Exhalation

Intercostal muscles relax, rib cage moves downward and inward, diaphragm relaxes, thoracic cavity volume decreases, pressure increases, air leaves the lungs.

Cilia Function

Beat and push mucus up the passages to the nose and throat.

Goblet Cells

Mucus-producing cells that trap particles and pathogens.

Aerobic Respiration

Chemical reactions in cells that use oxygen to break down nutrient molecules to release energy.

Anaerobic Respiration

Chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules to release energy without using oxygen.

Fermentation

Anaerobic respiration in yeast.

Oxygen Debt

Lactic acid builds up in muscles and blood during vigorous exercise.

External Respiration

Mechanical process that maintains a continuous exchange of gases between the respiratory surfaces of an organism and its environment.

Internal Respiration

Biochemical process which involves the oxidation of organic molecules to release energy.