Chapter 21 The Respiratory System

A series of flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the respiratory system.

Respiratory System Organs

The organs involved in the process of breathing, including the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

Upper Respiratory Tract

Consists of the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx.

Lower Respiratory Tract

Includes the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.

Conducting Zone

The part of the respiratory system that conducts air to the respiratory zone; this includes the nasal cavity, trachea, and bronchi.

Respiratory Zone

The site of gas exchange; consists of the alveoli and respiratory bronchioles.

Pulmonary Ventilation

The process of moving air into and out of the lungs.

Pulmonary Gas Exchange

The exchange of gases (O2 and CO2) between the alveoli and the blood.

Gas Transport

The transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide via the bloodstream.

Tissue Gas Exchange

The exchange of gases between the blood and body tissues.

Functions of the Nose

To filter, warm, and moisten air as it enters the respiratory system.

Nasal Cavity Functions

Contains meatuses and sinuses that aid in filtering and humidifying air.

Histology of the Nasal Cavity

Tissue structure of the nasal cavity, involving ciliated epithelium and mucous glands.

Pharynx Regions

Includes the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx, each with distinct functions.

Larynx Histology

Composed of cartilage and lined with mucous membranes; responsible for sound production.

Trachea Structure

A tube lined with ciliated epithelium and cartilaginous rings, connecting the larynx to the bronchi.

Bronchial Tree

A branching system of air passages that lead from the trachea to the alveoli.

Alveoli Cells

Includes type I cells for gas exchange and type II cells that produce surfactant.

Lung Structure

Consists of lobes and pleura, with the pleural cavity facilitating lung expansion.

Pulmonary Ventilation Phases

Inhalation (inspiration) and exhalation (expiration).

Boyle's Law

States that the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume; important in breathing.

Atmospheric Pressure

The pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere, influencing respiratory mechanics.

Intrapulmonary Pressure

The pressure within the alveoli during breathing.

Intrapleural Pressure

The pressure within the pleural cavity, typically lower than intrapulmonary pressure.

Airway Resistance

The resistance to airflow in the respiratory tract, affecting ventilation efficiency.

Alveolar Surface Tension

The tendency of liquid molecules to adhere, affecting the expansion of alveoli.

Pulmonary Compliance

The ease with which the lungs can be expanded, impacted by factors such as elasticity.

External Respiration

The process of gas exchange between the alveoli and the blood in the pulmonary capillaries.

Tissue Gas Exchange Factors

Factors including blood flow and oxygen demand that influence gas exchange in tissues.

Oxygen Transport in Blood

Oxygen is primarily transported bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Carbon Dioxide Transport

CO2 is transported as bicarbonate ions, dissolved in plasma, or bound to hemoglobin.

Chloride Shift

The process of exchanging bicarbonate ions for chloride ions across the red blood cell membrane.

Ventilation Stimulants

Factors that increase the drive to breathe, including carbon dioxide levels and pH.

Eupnea

Normal, relaxed breathing that is typically controlled by the respiratory center in the brain.