Breathing and Gaseous Exchange (Alveoli and Respiratory Structures)

A set of practice flashcards covering breathing, gaseous exchange, alveoli, blood pigments, and related respiratory structures based on the provided notes.

What is the technical term for the swapping of waste carbon dioxide from the body with oxygen from the air?

Gaseous exchange.

Where does gaseous exchange primarily occur in the lungs?

In the alveoli, tiny air sacs at the end of the air passages, surrounded by capillaries.

What are alveoli?

Tiny air sacs at the end of the air passages where oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide leaves.

What is the approximate composition of inhaled air in terms of oxygen and carbon dioxide?

About 20% oxygen and 0.04% carbon dioxide.

What is the approximate composition of exhaled air in terms of oxygen and carbon dioxide?

About 16% oxygen and 3% carbon dioxide.

Why is exhaled air lower in oxygen than inhaled air?

Because some oxygen is taken up by the blood.

Why is exhaled air higher in carbon dioxide than inhaled air?

Because the body produces carbon dioxide as a waste product of respiration.

Which structures are primarily involved in gaseous exchange in the lungs?

Alveoli and the surrounding capillaries.

What surrounds an alveolus to enable gas exchange?

Capillaries (tiny blood vessels) surrounding the alveolus.

What pigment in blood carries oxygen?

Haemoglobin.

What is the role of haemoglobin during gas exchange?

It binds oxygen in the lungs and carries it in the blood to tissues.

What muscles assist ventilation by expanding the chest cavity besides the diaphragm?

Intercostal muscles (between the ribs).

What is the function of the diaphragm in breathing?

It is the primary muscle used in ventilation to help inflate and deflate the lungs.

What covers and protects the lungs?

Pleural membranes (forming the pleural cavity).

What are bronchioles?

Tiny air passages that lead to the alveoli.

What is ventilation?

Breathing—the process of inhaling and exhaling air.