Respiration system 2

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM IN MAMMALS

Respiratory system complexity

The respiratory system of mammals is the most complex, involving a pair of lungs and branched air tubes.

Pharynx

A short passage that branches into the digestive tract and the larynx.

Glottis

The entrance of the larynx that must remain open for air to enter.

Epiglottis

A cartilaginous flap that prevents food from entering the windpipe.

Bronchi

The two branches of the trachea leading into the lungs.

Alveoli

Small air sacs in the lungs where gaseous exchange occurs.

External respiration

The process of taking in oxygen (inhalation) and expelling carbon dioxide (exhalation).

Inspiration mechanism

Involves intercostal muscle contraction, rib movement upward and outward, and diaphragm flattening to increase thoracic cavity volume.

Expiration mechanism

Involves intercostal muscle relaxation, rib movement downward and inward, and diaphragm doming to decrease thoracic cavity volume.

Aerobic respiration

Cellular respiration occurring without oxygen, resulting in less ATP and producing byproducts such as lactic acid or alcohol.

Anaerobic respiration

Cellular respiration occurring without oxygen, resulting in less ATP and producing byproducts such as lactic acid or alcohol.

Krebs cycle

A series of reactions in the mitochondria responsible for breaking down food molecules to produce ATP.

ATP yield from glucose

Total of 38 ATP molecules are produced from one molecule of glucose during complete oxidation.