Respiratory System

what is the main function of the respiratory system

bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide

why is the respiratory system structured with many alveoli?

to maximize surface area

How large is the total alvolar surface area

half the size of a basketball court

what two systems work together for gas transport

the respiratory and circulatory systems

what is the purpose of oxygen

needed for cellular metabolism

why does CO2 need to be removed?

CO2 is a waste product that must be eliminated to maintain homeostasis

what is the relationship between cells, alveoli, and organ systems

cells use oxygen, alveoli exchange gases, organ systems work together to transport gases

what process allows oxygen and carbon dioxide to move between alveoli and blood?

diffusion (a passive transport mechanism)

what increases the rate of diffusion in the lungs

large surface area, high concentration gradient, short diffusion distance

why are alveolar walls one cell thick

to shorten the diffusion distance and speed up gas exchange

which direction does oxygen diffuse?

from alveoli to blood

which direction does CO2 diffuse?

from blood to alveoli

why does oxygen move into blood?

because alveoli have higher O2 concentration than capillaries

why does CO2 move into the alveoli

because capillaries have a higher CO2 concentration than alveoli

what muscles are responsible for ventilation

diaphragm and intercostal muscles

what happens during inhalation (muscles, volume, pressure..)

muscles contract, volume increases, pressure decreases, air flows in

what is tidal volume?

the normal amount of air moved in and out during a breath

what is residual volume

air left in alveoli after exhalation

what happens during exhalation

muscles relax, volume decreases, pressure increases, air flows out

why is residual volume important

prevents alveoli from collapsing and mixes with fresh air

what part of the brain controls breathing

the medulla oblongata

what does the medulla monitor to regulate breathing

CO2 levels and blood pH

what happens if blood pH decreases (acidic)

breathing rate increases to remove CO2

where is the heart located?

in the mediastinuk slightly left of center

which lung is larger and why?

the rt. lung, the heart takes up space on the left

how many lobes each lung have

right: 3, left: 2

what are bronchopulmonary segments

lung regions with their own bronchus and arteries

what is pleura

a double membrane around each lung containing pleural fluid

what is the role of pulmomnary circulation

bring deoxygenated blood to the lungs and return oxygenated blood to the heart

what causes airway narrowing in asthma

swelling and mucus buildup

what symptoms are common in asthma

wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing

how do pollutants affect the lung

damage cilia and cause inflammation, allergies, or emphysema

name genetic conditions that affect lung function

surfactant insufficiency, asthma, cystic fibrosis

what pathogen commonly affect the lungs

flu, tuberculosis, pneumonia

how does influenza cause symptoms

it infects respiratory cells, the immune system attacks causing mucus, pain, and coughing