Respiratory_System

What is the primary purpose of the respiratory system?

To carry O₂ to and remove CO₂ from all body tissues.

What are the four processes of the respiratory system?

Pulmonary ventilation, external respiration, transport of gases, and internal respiration.

What structures make up the upper respiratory tract?

The nose, nasal cavity, and pharynx.

What are the main structures in the lower respiratory tract?

The larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

What is the function of alveoli?

To facilitate gas exchange between the air and blood.

Describe the role of the diaphragm in respiration.

The diaphragm contracts during inhalation to enlarge the chest cavity and relaxes during exhalation to expel air from the lungs.

What is pulmonary ventilation?

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

How do inspiration and expiration differ in terms of muscle activity?

Inspiration is an active process involving diaphragm contraction, while expiration is usually passive, relaxing respiratory muscles.

What mechanism helps venous blood return to the heart during breathing?

The respiratory pump, using changes in intra-abdominal and intrathoracic pressures.

What are spirometry measurements used for in respiratory studies?

To measure lung volumes, capacities, and flow rates as a diagnostic tool for respiratory diseases.

What are central chemoreceptors, and what is their role in breathing?

They detect increased CO₂ levels in cerebrospinal fluid, adjusting breathing rate and depth to remove excess CO₂.

How is most CO₂ transported from the body tissues to the lungs?

As bicarbonate ions in the blood after reacting with water in red blood cells.

Describe the role of hemoglobin in oxygen transport.

Hemoglobin binds approximately 98% of the oxygen transported in blood, while the rest dissolves in plasma.

What is Fick's law related to gas exchange?

It states that the rate of diffusion across a membrane is proportional to the concentration gradient.

How does the epiglottis contribute to respiratory and digestive functions?

It prevents food and liquids from entering the trachea by covering it during swallowing.

What is the main difference between hemoglobin and myoglobin?

Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells and transports oxygen, whereas myoglobin is found in muscle tissue, storing oxygen.

What is the process of pulmonary diffusion?

The exchange of gases (O₂ and CO₂) between alveolar air and blood in pulmonary capillaries.

can you sallow and breathe at the same time?

NO