Respiratory Systems in Organisms

Flashcards covering the insect, fish, frog, and human respiratory structures; breathing mechanisms; gaseous exchange; and related health issues.

Spiracles

Small pores in the thorax and abdomen of insects that allow air intake into the tracheal system.

Tracheal System

The breathing system of insects, consisting of a network of air tubes.

Tracheole

Finer tubes branched from the trachea in insects, serving as the respiratory surface for gaseous exchange.

Air Sacs (in insects)

Parts of the trachea system that help speed up the delivery of respiratory gas during active body movements in some insects.

Gills

The respiratory structure of fish, located on the gill arch.

Filament (in fish gills)

A line of structures composing the gills, supported by the gill arch, that enable rapid exchange of respiratory gases.

Lamella (in fish gills)

Thin and flat projections on the filament of fish gills that provide a large surface area for efficient gaseous exchange.

Skin (in frogs)

Used by frogs for gaseous exchange especially when inactive.

Lungs (in frogs)

The surface of the lungs is folded to increase the total surface area for the exchange of gases.

Alveolus

The human respiratory structure with characteristics for efficient respiratory gaseous exchange.

Breathing

The repetitive inhalation and exhalation process.

Inhalation (in insects)

Abdominal muscles relax, reducing air pressure in the trachea, allowing air to enter through the spiracle.

Exhalation (in insects)

Abdominal muscles contract, increasing air pressure in the trachea, forcing air out of the spiracle.

Buccopharyngeal cavity

The cavity involved in breathing mechanism of frogs.

Ventilation (in fish)

Takes place when the fish swims by opening and closing its operculum, which pushes water into the mouth and through the gills.

Inhalation (in humans)

External intercostal muscles contract, ribcage moves up and out, diaphragm contracts and moves down, increasing thorax volume and decreasing pressure.

Exhalation (in humans)

External intercostal muscles relax, ribcage moves down and in, diaphragm relaxes and curves up, reducing thoracic cavity volume and increasing pressure.

Partial Pressure

The pressure exerted by a single gas within a mixture of gases.

Oxyhaemoglobin

Formed when Oxygen combines with haemoglobin in erythrocytes

Bicarbonate Ion (HCO3-)

The form in which 70% of carbon dioxide is carried in the blood.

Carbaminohaemoglobin

The compound formed when 23% of carbon dioxide combines with haemoglobin.

Carbonic Anhydrase

The enzyme in erythrocytes that catalyzes the reaction between carbon dioxide and water to form carbonic acid.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A lung disease comprising of asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Emphysema

A condition where the alveoli lose elasticity, increase in size, and the alveolar walls are damaged, reducing the efficiency of gaseous exchange.

Chronic Bronchitis

A condition where the bronchiole becomes inflamed, swollen, and blocked, reducing airflow and causing difficulties in breathing.

Asthma

A condition where the bronchiole walls become swollen and thick, narrowing the air passage and leading to breathing difficulties and breathlessness.