BIOL2302 Chapter 6

Respiratory System

Essential for supplying oxygen (O2) to body cells and removing carbon dioxide (CO2).

Gas Transport

The process of delivering oxygen to cells and removing carbon dioxide through the blood.

Anatomy of Respiratory System

Includes the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and alveoli.

Conducting Zone

The part of the respiratory system that conducts air, from the nose to the bronchioles.

Respiratory Zone

The area where gas exchange occurs, including respiratory bronchioles and alveoli.

Nasal Cavity Function

Warms, humidifies, and filters air, lined with mucous membranes.

Paranasal Sinuses

Cavities in skull bones that open into the nasal cavity, aiding moisture and voice resonance.

Pharynx

Connects the nasal cavity to the larynx and the oral cavity to the esophagus.

Divisions of Pharynx

The pharynx is divided into nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

Larynx

Voice box containing vocal cords; involved in sound production.

Trachea

Rigid tube conducting air to the bronchi, supported by cartilage rings.

Bronchial Tree

Branches of the bronchi into smaller bronchioles leading to alveoli.

Alveoli

Site of gas exchange in the lungs, consists of type I and type II pneumocytes.

Type II Pneumocytes

Cells in the alveolar wall that secrete surfactant to reduce surface tension.

Lungs

Organs located in the thoracic cavity; responsible for gas exchange.

Diaphragm

A muscle crucial for breathing, separating the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.

Pleura

Membrane encasing each lung, with a pleural cavity containing lubricating fluid.

Ventilation

Moving air in and out of the lungs through inspiration and expiration.

Inspiration

Active process of inhaling air into the lungs.

Expiration

Typically a passive process of exhaling air from the lungs.

Tidal Volume

The amount of air exchanged during normal breathing.

Respiratory Volumes

Includes tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, expiratory reserve volume, and residual volume.

Transport of Oxygen

Primarily transported by hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Transport of Carbon Dioxide

Transported dissolved in plasma, as carbamino compounds, and as bicarbonate ions.

Gas Laws

Govern the behaviour of gases, influencing gas transport in the lungs.

Control of Breathing

Regulated by brain centers responding to levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Breathing Rate Regulation

Changes in breathing rate are primarily driven by carbon dioxide levels.

Cellular Respiration

Uses oxygen to produce ATP, generating carbon dioxide as a waste product.

Asthma

A common respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and obstruction.

Pneumonia

An infection that inflames air sacs in one or both lungs, filled with fluid.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe.

Diagnostic Procedures

Methods used to assess and diagnose respiratory conditions.

Treatments for Respiratory Conditions

Includes medications, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments.

Oxygen (O2)

Essential gas needed by cells for cellular respiration.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Byproduct of metabolism, removed from the body by the respiratory system.

Alveolar Wall

Consists of type I and type II pneumocytes, crucial for gas exchange.

Type I Pneumocytes

Cells in the alveolar wall involved in gas exchange.

Bronchi

Branches of the trachea that lead into the lungs.

Upper Respiratory Tract

Includes the nose, nasal cavity, and part of the pharynx.

Lower Respiratory Tract

Includes the rest of the pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and alveoli.

Mucous Membranes

Line the nasal cavity to trap pathogens and particles.

Voice Resonance

The quality of sound produced, influenced by the structure of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

Laryngopharynx

The lowest part of the pharynx, connecting to the larynx and esophagus.