Chapter 1: Respiration and Blood Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions for Chapter 1: Respiration, the Human Respiratory System, Gaseous Exchange, and Blood Components.

Aerobic Respiration

A chemical reaction where oxygen is taken into the body, transported to the cells, and used with glucose to release energy.

Mitochondria

The organelle in plant and animal cells where aerobic respiration occurs to release energy.

Aerobic Respiration Word Equation

$$\text{Oxygen} + \text{Glucose} \rightarrow \text{Carbon dioxide} + \text{Water}$$

Larynx

The organ at the top of the trachea that contains the vocal cords.

Mucus

A watery liquid produced in the nasal cavity and trachea to moisten air and trap dust particles, bacteria, and pathogens.

Ciliated Epithelial Cells

Cells in the trachea with tiny hair-like structures (cilia) that sweep mucus, trapped dust, and bacteria up to the back of the throat.

Cartilage Rings

C-shaped rings made of cartilage that keep the trachea open and prevent it from collapsing.

Bronchus

An airway that leads directly from the trachea into one of the lungs.

Bronchioles

Small branches that split off from the bronchi and deliver air to the alveoli.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gaseous exchange takes place between air and blood.

Thorax

The anatomical term for the chest, located between the head and midsection.

Intercostal Muscles

Muscles located between the ribs that move the rib cage during breathing.

Diaphragm

A muscle sheet separating the chest cavity from the lower body cavity that contracts and relaxes during breathing.

Breathing

The mechanical process involving the physical movement of air into and out of the lungs.

Inhalation

The process of breathing in, where external intercostal muscles and diaphragm contract, increasing thorax volume and lowering air pressure in the lungs below atmospheric pressure.

Exhalation

The process of breathing out, where external intercostal muscles and diaphragm relax, decreasing thorax volume and increasing air pressure in the lungs above atmospheric pressure.

Oxyhaemoglobin

A bright red compound formed when oxygen combines with haemoglobin inside red blood cells.

Plasma

A pale yellow liquid component of blood, consisting of about $90\%$ water, that carries blood cells, nutrients, hormones, proteins, and carbon dioxide.

Red Blood Cell

A biconcave disc-shaped blood cell without a nucleus or mitochondria, containing haemoglobin to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body.

White Blood Cell

A nucleated cell in the blood that protects the body against pathogens by producing antibodies or digesting bacteria.

Platelets

Irregularly shaped blood components that assist in blood clotting.