Physiology: Respiratory and Musculoskeletal Systems

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the respiratory and musculoskeletal systems in physiology.

Respiratory System

Network of organs and tissues that help with breathing by taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide.

How many lobes do the lungs have?

Right lung: 3 lobes; Left lung: 2 lobes.

What is the strongest stimulus for breathing?

High carbon dioxide levels (low pH).

Conducting Zone

Nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and terminal bronchioles (no gas exchange).

What happens in Ondine’s Curse?

Automatic breathing fails; the person must consciously breathe.

Respiratory Zone

The area of the respiratory system where gas exchange occurs, including respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveolar sacs.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs that are the sites of gas exchange, surrounded by a network of capillaries.

What drives gas exchange in the alveoli?

Differences in partial pressure of gases (O₂ and CO₂).

Pulmonary Ventilation

The physical movement of air into and out of the respiratory tract, ensuring a continuous supply of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide.

Boyle's Law

Pressure and volume are inversely related. During inhalation, lung volume increases, pressure decreases, air flows in

Pleura

A serous membrane that forms a two-layered sac surrounding the lungs, consisting of parietal pleura (outer) and visceral pleura (inner).

Diaphragm

A dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities and plays a major role in breathing.

Gas Exchange

The process that occurs in the alveoli where oxygen is absorbed into the blood and carbon dioxide is released from the blood.

Skeletal System

The framework of bones that provides support, protection, movement, attachment for muscles, and mineral storage.

Synovial Joints

Joints filled with synovial fluid that allow for a range of motion; includes types such as hinge, ball and socket, and pivot.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary muscle found in walls of organs that contract to facilitate bodily functions, such as digestion.

Cardiac Muscle

Involuntary muscle found exclusively in the heart, responsible for pumping blood.

Voluntary Muscle

Skeletal muscles that are under conscious control, enabling movement.

Involuntary Control

Muscle activity that occurs without conscious thought, controlled by the autonomic nervous system.

Muscle Coordination

The process by which muscle contractions are synchronized to create smooth and efficient movement.

What is the function of pleural fluid?

Reduces friction between pleural layers during breathing.

What structure ensures air enters the trachea and not the esophagus?

The epiglottis.