Respiratory System Lecture Flashcards

These flashcards cover key concepts and functions of the respiratory system based on lecture notes.

What is the main purpose of pulmonary gas exchange?

To pick up O2 and drop off CO2 in the lungs.

What occurs during tissue gas exchange?

O2 is delivered to cells and CO2 is carried away from cells.

Which structure in the respiratory system is known as the 'voice box'?

Larynx.

What does the trachea do?

It acts as an air cleaning tube into the lungs.

What is the primary function of the diaphragm during inspiration?

It contracts and flattens to increase the thoracic cavity volume.

What is tidal volume (TV)?

The amount of air inspired or expired with each breath; at rest, it's about 500 mL.

What is the role of surfactant in the alveoli?

It reduces surface tension, making it easier for the alveoli to expand during inspiration.

What process measures the volumes of air moving in and out of the respiratory system?

Spirometry.

What is the significance of alveolar ducts?

They connect respiratory bronchioles to alveoli.

Which gas is usually found in higher partial pressure in the alveoli compared to blood?

Oxygen (O2).

What is the Haldane Effect?

As hemoglobin binds to CO2, its affinity for O2 is reduced.

How does the body primarily transport carbon dioxide in the blood?

About 70% is transported as bicarbonate ions.

What anatomical structure separates the nasal cavity from the oral cavity?

Hard palate.

What types of cells make up the alveolar wall?

Type I and Type II pneumocytes.

How does pleural pressure affect lung expansion?

Negative pleural pressure helps the lungs expand during inspiration.

What happens during an asthma attack regarding airway function?

Bronchoconstriction occurs, leading to increased resistance to airflow.

What is the primary source of sound production in the larynx?

Vocal folds or true vocal cords.

Which type of pneumocyte produces surfactant?

Type II pneumocytes.

What is the function of the conducting zone in the respiratory tract?

It is strictly for pulmonary ventilation and includes the nose and small air tubes.

What is the process of gas exchange at the tissues?

O2 moves from blood to cells and CO2 from cells to blood.

What creates a pressure gradient necessary for airflow during breathing?

Changes in alveolar pressure relative to atmospheric pressure.

How does Boyle's Law relate to breathing?

As the volume of the thoracic cavity increases, the pressure inside decreases, allowing air to flow in.

What is the function of the respiratory system?

The respiratory system facilitates the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and the environment.

What is the main muscle involved in expiration?

The diaphragm relaxes during expiration, reducing thoracic cavity volume.

What are the primary respiratory pathways in the body?

The primary respiratory pathways include the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

What are alveoli?

Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

What is the role of the cilia in the respiratory tract?

Cilia help to trap and move particles and mucus out of the respiratory system.

How does smoking affect the respiratory system?

Smoking damages respiratory cilia, promotes inflammation, and can lead to chronic respiratory diseases.

What is forced expiratory volume (FEV1)?

FEV1 is the amount of air a person can forcefully exhale in one second.

What is the effect of altitude on oxygen availability?

At higher altitudes, the partial pressure of oxygen decreases, resulting in less oxygen available for breathing.

What is the role of hemoglobin in respiration?

Hemoglobin transports oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and facilitates the transport of carbon dioxide back to the lungs.

What happens to the air pressure in the thoracic cavity during inhalation?

During inhalation, the thoracic cavity volume increases and pressure decreases, causing air to flow into the lungs.

Pulmonary Gas Exchange

The process of picking up O2 and dropping off CO2 in the lungs.

Tissue Gas Exchange

The delivery of O2 to cells and the removal of CO2 from cells.

Larynx

The structure in the respiratory system known as the 'voice box.'

Trachea

The air cleaning tube that conducts air into the lungs.

Diaphragm

The primary muscle that contracts and flattens to increase thoracic cavity volume during inspiration.

Tidal Volume (TV)

The amount of air inspired or expired with each breath; typically about 500 mL at rest.

Surfactant

A substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, making it easier for them to expand during inspiration.

Spirometry

The process of measuring the volumes of air moving in and out of the respiratory system.

Alveolar Ducts

Structures that connect respiratory bronchioles to alveoli.

Haldane Effect

A phenomenon where hemoglobin's affinity for O2 is reduced as it binds to CO2.