Biology 20- The Respiratory System

Oxygenate Blood

Ensures blood gets oxygen to every cell.

Cellular Respiration

Energy releasing reactions involving glucose oxidation in body cells to form ATP.

Tidal Volume

The volume of air that is inhaled and exhaled in normal breathing at rest, approximately 500 mL.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume

The additional volume of air that can be inhaled beyond the tidal volume, about 2000-3000 mL.

Diaphragm

A dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and aids in breathing.

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchi, which can be acute (short-term from infection) or chronic (long-term from irritants).

Alveolus

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, surrounded by capillaries.

Hemoglobin

Oxygen-carrying molecule in red blood cells that significantly increases the oxygen transport capacity of blood.

Pleural Membranes

Membranes surrounding the lungs that secrete fluid for lubrication and reduce friction during lung expansion.

Pneumonia

Inflammation of the alveoli in the lungs, often filled with liquid, caused by bacterial or viral infections.

Inspiration

The process of inhaling air into the lungs.

Expiration

The process of exhaling air from the lungs.

Total Lung Capacity

The total volume that the lungs can hold; approximately 4000-6000 mL.

Acute Bronchitis

A temporary inflammation of the bronchi caused by bacterial infections.

Chronic Bronchitis

Long-term inflammation of the bronchi due to prolonged exposure to irritants, often resulting in damaged cilia.

External Respiration

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air and blood.

Internal Respiration

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between body cells and blood.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume

The volume of additional air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation.

Carbon Dioxide Transport

The movement of carbon dioxide from the tissues to the blood, and then from the blood to the alveoli.

Tonsillitis

Infection of the tonsils, often caused by viral infections.

Laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx, often due to infections or strain on the vocal cords.

Gas Exchange

The process of transferring oxygen and carbon dioxide between the alveoli and the blood.

Surfactant

A substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse.

Hypoxemia

Low level of oxygen in the blood, often leading to various health issues.

Respiratory Rate

The number of breaths taken per minute; typically 12-20 in adults.

Ventilation

The movement of air in and out of the lungs, facilitating gas exchange.

Asthma

A chronic condition characterized by airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to breathing difficulties.

Emphysema

A progressive lung disease that destroys alveoli and reduces gas exchange.

Trachea

The windpipe; a tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi.

Bronchioles

Small air passages in the lungs that branch from the bronchi.

Hyperventilation

Rapid and deep breathing that can lead to decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

External Respiration

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air and blood.

Respiratory System

The organ system responsible for gas exchange, consisting of lungs, airways, and respiratory muscles.

Inhalation

The act of taking in air into the lungs.

Exhalation

The process of releasing air from the lungs into the atmosphere.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels where gas exchange takes place between blood and tissues.

Alveolar Sac

A cluster of alveoli that provides a large surface area for gas exchange.

Pulmonary Circulation

The movement of blood from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart.

Oxygen Diffusion

The movement of oxygen from the alveoli into the blood.

Carbon Dioxide Diffusion

The movement of carbon dioxide from the blood into the alveoli.

Interstitial Fluid

The fluid that surrounds body cells, facilitating gas exchange.

Ventilation Rate

The amount of air exchanged in the lungs over a specific period, influenced by activity level.

What is the primary function of the lungs?

The primary function of the lungs is to facilitate gas exchange, allowing oxygen to enter the body and carbon dioxide to be expelled.

What is Total Lung Capacity?

Total Lung Capacity is the maximum volume of air the lungs can hold, typically around 4000-6000 mL.

What is the role of hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin is an oxygen-carrying molecule in red blood cells that enhances oxygen transport in the blood.

How does the diaphragm contribute to breathing?

The diaphragm contracts and flattens during inhalation, increasing the thoracic cavity volume and drawing air into the lungs.

What causes pneumonia?

Pneumonia is caused by infections (bacterial or viral) that lead to inflammation of the alveoli, often filling them with fluid.

What are bronchioles?

Bronchioles are small air passages in the lungs that branch from the larger bronchi, responsible for directing air to the alveoli.

What is hyperventilation?

Hyperventilation is rapid and deep breathing which can result in decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation, leading to wheezing and difficulty breathing.

What is tidal volume?

Tidal volume is the amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing at rest, approximately 500 mL.

What does external respiration entail?

External respiration involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air in the lungs and the blood.

What is the function of surfactant in the lungs?

Surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse and aiding in gas exchange.

What is internal respiration?

Internal respiration is the exchange of gases between the blood and body cells.

What role do capillaries play in respiration?

Capillaries are small blood vessels where gas exchange occurs between oxygen in the blood and carbon dioxide in tissues.

What is chronic bronchitis?

Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammation of the bronchi, often due to prolonged exposure to irritants, leading to coughing and mucus production.

What does ventilation refer to?

Ventilation refers to the process of moving air in and out of the lungs to facilitate gas exchange.

What is the primary gas exhaled during expiration?

The primary gas exhaled during expiration is carbon dioxide.

What are pleural membranes?

Pleural membranes are double-layered membranes surrounding the lungs that help to reduce friction during breathing.

What happens during the process of exhalation?

During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes, reducing the volume of the thoracic cavity and pushing air out of the lungs.

What is the definition of hypoxemia?

Hypoxemia is an abnormally low level of oxygen in the blood, which can cause various health complications.

What is the role of bronchitis in respiratory health?

Bronchitis can lead to inflammation and narrowing of airways, causing difficulty in breathing and increased mucus production.

How does pneumonia affect gas exchange?

Pneumonia decreases gas exchange efficiency due to fluid filling alveoli, reducing oxygen intake and carbon dioxide elimination.

What are the effects of smoking on the respiratory system?

Smoking damages lung tissues, promotes inflammation, and can lead to chronic conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

What is the significance of the respiratory rate?

Respiratory rate indicates how many breaths a person takes per minute; it helps assess a person's respiratory health.

How is carbon dioxide transported in the blood?

Carbon dioxide is transported in the blood as bicarbonate ions, dissolved in plasma, and bound to hemoglobin.

What is the purpose of pulmonary circulation?

Pulmonary circulation is the pathway that carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation and back to the heart.

What is the effect of altitude on breathing?

At high altitudes, lower oxygen levels can lead to increased breathing rate and depth as the body attempts to obtain more oxygen.

What is the main function of the trachea?

The trachea, or windpipe, serves as the airway connecting the larynx to the bronchi for the passage of air.

What causes interstitial fluid accumulation?

Interstitial fluid accumulation can occur due to conditions like heart failure, leading to edema and impaired gas exchange.

What is emphysema?

Emphysema is a chronic lung disease that destroys alveolar walls, leading to reduced surface area for gas exchange.

How does the body regulate breathing?

Breathing is regulated by the respiratory center in the brain, responding to CO2 levels and oxygen demands.

What is the significance of the alveoli's structure?

Alveoli are tiny air sacs structured for maximum surface area, optimizing gas exchange efficiency.

What role do the vocal cords play?

The vocal cords, located in the larynx, vibrate to produce sound during speech.