respiratory system

passage of airway

nose/mouth→nasal cavity→pharynx→larynx→windpipe→bronchi→bronchioles→

alveoli

nose/mouth

air enter through the

nasal cavity

air is warmed, humidified & filtered by mucus/hair

pharynx

throat; connects nasal & oral cavities to the larynx & esophagus; dual passageway for both air & food

larynx

voice box; regulates airflow for breathing; protects airway from choking & houses vocal cords to produce the sound of our voice

trachea

windpipe; cylinder tube with rings of cartilage that connects the larynx to the lungs & ensures air reaches the lungs safely

bronchi

main airway that branches off from the trachea→L/R lungs; supported by rings of cartilage keeping airway open; direct air into lungs & lined with mucus/cilia to trap/sweep away dust, viruses & bacteria

bronchioles

bronchi split into smaller, thinner tubes; made of smooth muscle & control airflow resistance by contracting/relaxing

alveoli

bronchioles split into microscopic air sacs; produce surface area for gas exchange; enveloped in tiny blood vessels (capillaries); O₂ passes from alveoli→blood WHILE CO₂ passes from blood→alveoli to be exhaled

conducting zone

nose→terminal bronchioles; transports air from outside environment to site of gas exchange; “anatomical dead space” b/c no gas exchange occurs

respiratory zone

respiratory bronchioles→alveoli; structures in lungs where gas exchange occurs

inspiration

diaphragm + external intercostals contract; diaphragm ↓ + thoracic cavity volume ↑

expiration

diaphragm + external intercostals relax; diaphragm ↑ + thoracic cavity volume ↓

perfusion

delivering blood to the body’s tissues, organs, cells

ventilation

movement of air in/out of lungs (breathing)

hyperventilation

fast breathing; pH is BASIC; ↑O₂ + ↓CO₂

hypoventilation

slow breathing; pH is ACIDIC; ↓O₂ + ↑CO₂

hyperoxia

↑O₂

hypoxia

↓O₂

hypercapnia

↑CO₂

hypocapnia

↓CO₂

epiglottis

prevents food and liquid from entering airway during swallowing

uvula

teardrop-shaped tissue that hands in back of throat

diaphragm + intercostals

primary muscles responsible for normal quiet breathing

adduction

muscle moves limb TOWARDS middle of body

abduction

muscle moves limb AWAY from middle of body

pectoralis major

“pecs”; flexing, adducting, internally rotating humerus

latissimus dorsi

triangular muscle spans lower back & drives pulling, rotating, extending shoulder

serratus anterior

fan-shaped muscle on lateral rib cage assisting in upward arm rotation

trapezius

diamond-shaped muscle from base of skull→middle back; stabilizes rotating shoulder blade, moves head/neck

esophagus

connects throat→stomach that propels food/liquid via peristalsis

respiratory system

delivers oxygen to bloodstream, removing waste gases (CO₂) from bloodstream, assists in vocal sound production

kidneys & liver

filter impurities from the blood

pleural cavity

fluid-filled potential space that encases/protects the lungs

pericardial cavity

fluid-filled potential space between parietal & visceral layers of pericardium in the heart

mediastinum

space within thoracic cavity that houses the lungs/heart

peritoneal cavity

fluid-filled potential space between parietal peritoneum (lines abdominal wall) & visceral peritoneum (covers organs)

internal respiration

the exchange of gases between the blood & tissue cells

external respiration

gas exchange between external environment & bloodstream

ciliated epithelial cells

helps in producing mucus and moving it outwards, ensuring lungs remain clear of foreign particles

smooth muscle

involuntary, non-strained tissue controlled by ANS; responsible for moving food→digestive tract & regulate BP

hyaline cartilage

smooth, resilient tissue made of type II collagen that provides support/flexibility for joint movement

connective tissue

“glue” that binds, supports, protects & cushions organs

rate of pulmonary ventilation

blood pH levels, blood O₂ levels, blood CO₂ levels influence

respiratory acidosis

lungs retain too much CO₂ = ↓ blood pH below 7.35

respiratory alkalosis

exhale too much CO₂ = ↑ blood pH above 7.45

metabolic acidosis

too much acid buildup OR lose too much bicarb = ↓ 7.35

metabolic alkalosis

body loses too much acid OR gains too much bicarb = ↑ 7.45

respiratory zone

bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli are found within

decreased thoracic pressure

primary force that drives air into lungs during inhalation

blood composition

[BC] red blood cells (erythrocytes)

contain hemoglobin (iron-rich protein), no nucleus, transports O₂ & CO₂

[BC] white blood cells (leukocytes) & platelets (thrombocytes)

defend against infections/foreign particles & coagulation (blood clotting)

[BC] plasma

contains water, proteins, electrolytes, nutrients, hormones, gases/waste; maintain blood volume/pH, transports substances, helps clotting/immunity

leukocytosis

↑ WBC

leukopenia

↓ WBC

thrombocytosis

↑ platelets

thrombocytopenia

↓ platelets

alveolar space

air-filled cavity inside of alveoli

bronchial lumen

passageway of bronchi & bronchioles allowing airflow

interstitial space

fluid-filled, sac-like gpa between cells & tissues

emphysema

chronic lung disease where alveoli sacs lose their stretch and break down making it hard to breathe out and get enough oxygen into your blood

diaphragm

separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities