Anatomy Final Review - Respiratory

Tidal volume

Amount of air inhaled/exhaled during normal breathing

Vital capacity

Maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation

Explain how oxygen is transported in the blood

Primarily bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells, small amounts dissolved in plasma

What is the role of surfactant in the lungs?

Reduces surface tension in alveoli, prevents alveoli from collapsing

How does exercise affect breathing rate and depth

Increases breathing rate and depth of breathing

Describe the process of gas exchange in the alveoli.

Oxygen diffuses from alveoli into blood, carbon dioxide diffuses from blood into alveoli

What are the primary functions of the nose in respiration

Filters, warms, and humidifies air, houses olfactory receptors

Explain the role of the diaphragm in breathing.

Main muscle of inspiration, contracts to increase thoracic cavity volume

What is the function of the epiglottis?

Prevents food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing

How does carbon dioxide get removed from the body

Diffuses from tissues into blood, transported to lungs, exhaled through alveoli

Internal Respiration

Gas exchange between blood and tissues

External Respiration

Gas exchange between air and blood in lungs

Bronchi

Large airways that carry air to and from lungs

Bronchioles

Smaller airways that lead to alveoli

What is the role of hemoglobin in oxygen transport

Binds oxygen in lungs, releases oxygen to tissues

Explain how asthma affects the respiratory system

causes inflammation and narrowing of airways, increased mucus production, difficulty breathing

What is the purpose of the pleural membrane?

Reduces friction during breathing, helps maintain negative pressure in thoracic cavity

How does the nervous system regulate breathing

Medulla oblongata controls basic breathing rhythm, responds to changes in blood CO₂ levels

What is the function of cilia in the respiratory tract?

Move mucus and trapped particles out of respiratory tract

Explain the concept of partial pressure in relation to gas exchange.

Gases move from areas of high partial pressure to low partial pressure

How does COPD affect lung function?

Reduced airflow, Damage to alveoli, Decreased gas exchange efficiency

What is the role of the medulla oblongata in breathing control?

Contains respiratory center, Generates basic breathing rhythm

Describe the process of inspiration and expiration.

Inspiration: Diaphragm contracts, chest expands, air

Describe the process of expiration

Diaphragm relaxes, chest recoils, air flows out