LC Biology- The Respiratory System

Respiratory System

system responsible for taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide using the lungs

Thorax

Chest

Diaphragm

Large, flat muscle at the bottom of the chest cavity that helps with breathing

Rib cage

the set of bones (ribs, sternum, and vertebrae) that protect the heart and lung, 12 pairs.

Intercostal muscle

Muscle located between the ribs.

nose

nostrils, lined with mucous and fine hairs; filters germs, and moistens and warms air for easier gaseous exchange.

Pharynx

Throat; passageway for food to the esophagus and air to the larynx

Epiglottis

A flap of tissue that seals off the windpipe and prevents food from entering.

Larynx

The voice box

Trachea

windpipe; tube through which air moves, made of muscle, elastic fiber and c-shaped rings of cartilage.

Bronchus

Either of the two subdivisions of the trachea conveying air into the lungs.

Bronchioles

Airways in the lungs that lead from the bronchi to the alveoli.

Alveoli

tiny sacs of lung tissue specialized for the movement of gases between air and blood. 700 million in lungs.

Cilia

The hairlike projections on the cells of the trachea, bronchus and bronchioles that move in a wavelike manner to sweep mucous and trapped dirt out of breathing system.

Lungs

Main spongy organs of the respiratory system where gas exchange occurs.

Pleural membrane

Double membrane that surrounds the lung and contains fluid to protect and prevent friction.

Gas exchange

The swapping of gases between inspired and air and expired air from the blood. Oxygen enters blood and carbon dioxide leaves. Occurs in alveoli.

Inhalation

the active act of taking in air; the diaphragm contracts and pulls downward; intercostal muscles contract; ribcage moves up and out; thorax volume increases; air pressure inside lungs less than outside; air drawn into lungs.

Exhalation

the passive act air leaving lungs; the diaphragm relaxes and becomes dome-shaped; intercostal muscles relax; ribcage moves down and in; thorax volume decreases; air squashed out of lungs.

Asthma

chronic respiratory disease in which the air passageways become inflamed, narrower than normal and filled with mucous causing episodes of breathing difficulty. Treat using bronchio-dilators

Allergen

A substance that causes an allergic reaction e.g. pollen, dust, pet dander.