Respiratory System - Anatomy

A

Nasal Cavity

B

Tongue

C

Epiglottis

D

Larynx

E

Trachea

F

Pharynx

G

Esophagus

Air enters the body through the __________ and ____________.

Nose and Mouth

Once air enters the body, it enters the first tube, the _________ which carries both gases, food, and water.

Pharynx

The pharynx splits in two; the __________________ carries food and water down to the stomach.

Esophagus

When we swallow food or water the ___________________ closes off the trachea, which prevents choking.

Epiglottis

Air travels towards the lungs through the second tube, the _____________.

Trachea

The vocal cords can be found in the ___________, passing air over them creates sound.

Larynx

As the trachea enters the thorax, it splits into the left and right ______________.

Primary Bronchi

From here there are several branches known as _____________ that end in air sacs called ___________.

Bronchioles and Alveoli

In the lungs, gas is exchanged between the ___________ and a network of blood vessels known as _____________________.

Alveoli and Capillaries

Gases move from an area of ____________ to an area of ____________.

High Concentration to Low Concentration

That means that _________ moves into the blood and __________ is removed from the blood.

O2 and CO2

A

Larynx

B

Trachea

C

Bronchus

D

Lung

E

External Intercostal Muscle

F

Bronchiole

G

Internal Intercostal Muscle

H

Alveoli

I

Diaphram

J

Ribs

The passageway for food, water, and air.

Pharynx

The tube that carries food to the stomach.

Esophagus

The tube that carries oxygen to the lungs.

Trachea

Where the vocal cords are found.

Larynx

Covers the trachea when you swallow food.

Epiglottis

The membrane that covers the lungs and thorax.

Pleural

The first two branches of the trachea in the thorax.

Primary Bronchi

The many branches of the trachea that end in air sacs.

Bronchioles

Air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Alveoli

The muscle that separates the thorax and abdomen, assists with inhalation and exhalation.

Diaphragm

What is the function of the respiratory system?

To supply the body with oxygen for cellular respiration and release carbon dioxide from the body

Is the respiratory system under voluntary or involuntary control? Explain.

It is under involuntary control because it is regulated by the medulla oblongota (regulates rate and depth) and pons (regulates tempo) and regulated by sensors in the aorta and carotid arteries (regulates CO2 levels). It is also voluntary because we can control our breathing.

What gas diffuses into the blood from the alveoli during respiration?

Oxygen

What gas diffuses from the blood into the alveoli during respiration?

Carbon Dioxide

What are three features that make alveoli the ideal site for gas exchange?

Large Surface Area: Lungs contain millions of tiny alveoli

Thin Walls: Once cell thick

Large Capillary Network: Maintain continuous gas exchange

The lungs and thorax are covered in a membrane, separated by a pleural cavity that is filled with fluid. How is this important for respiration?

It keeps the lungs lubricated which reduces friction and keeps a negative pressure that helps prevent the lung’s natural tendency to collapse.

Name 5 structures or tissues that air passes through on the way to the lungs, in order from the atmosphere to the lungs.

Nasal Cavity → Pharynx → Larynx → Trachea → Bronchi

Describe how the diaphragm and intercostal muscles coordinate to increase the volume of the thorax. Is this inhalation or exhalation?

The diaphragm contracts and pulls downward and the muscles between the ribs contract and pull upward. This increases the size of the thoracic cavity and decreases the pressure inside. This is inhalation.

Describe how the diaphragm and intercostal muscles coordinate to decrease the volume of the thorax. Is this inhalation or exhalation?

The diaphragm relaxes, and the volume of the thoracic cavity decreases, while the pressure within it increases. The lungs contract and air is forced out. This is exhalation.

How does changing the volume of the thoracic cavity affect the pressure felt by the lungs compared to atmospheric pressure?

Changing the volume of the thoracic cavity creates a pressure gradient that drives the movement of air into or out of the lungs. Increasing the volume lowers the internal pressure below atmospheric levels, drawing air into the body. Decreasing the volume raises the internal pressure above atmospheric levels, forcing air out of the body.

How many lobes are the right and left lobes divided into?

The right lung is divided into three lobes: the superior, middle, and inferior lobes. The left lung is divided into two lobes: the superior and inferior lobes. This asymmetry exists because the left lung must make room for the heart.