Respiration and Gaseous Exchange

Vocabulary flashcards covering cellular respiration (aerobic and anaerobic), mechanics of breathing, anatomical structures across organisms, and the respiratory impacts of smoking.

Respiration

The chemical breakdown of food in cells to provide energy.

Aerobic Respiration

The breakdown of food in the presence of oxygen, occurring in the mitochondria to produce a large amount of energy, $CO_2$, and water ($C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O$).

Anaerobic Respiration

The breakdown of food in the absence of oxygen, occurring in the cytoplasm of cells and producing very little energy.

Oxygen Debt

The amount of oxygen required after strenuous exercise to break down and eliminate the accumulation of lactic acid in muscle cells.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

The energy currency of cells that stores and releases energy when needed without causing reactions during its transport.

Alcoholic Fermentation

The process by which glucose is broken down anaerobically (e.g., by yeast) to produce alcohol, $CO_2$, and a small amount of energy.

Breathing (External Respiration)

The physical process of inhaling and exhaling air to supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.

Inhalation

The process of breathing in oxygen-rich air during which the ribs move upwards and outwards, the diaphragm pulls down, and chest volume increases.

Exhalation

The process of breathing out carbon dioxide-rich air during which the ribs move downwards and inwards, the diaphragm pushes up, and chest volume decreases.

Human Respiratory System

The anatomical system responsible for gas exchange, including the nasal passage, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, lungs, and alveoli.

Bell Jar Model

A laboratory model of the respiratory mechanism in which a bell jar represents the chest cavity, a Y-tube represents the trachea, balloons represent the lungs, and a rubber sheet represents the diaphragm.

Cilia

Microscopic, finger-like projections lining the trachea that sweep away dust and microorganisms trapped in mucus.

Alveoli

Grape-like air sacs in the lungs surrounded by capillary networks, featuring thin, moist, one-cell-thick walls where gaseous exchange occurs.

Fish Gill Structure

The respiratory organ in fish consisting of gill rakers, limbs, and finely divided gill filaments (lamellae) that absorb dissolved oxygen from water.

Spiracles

Pores on the body surface of insects that open into tracheal tubes and tracheoles to allow gaseous exchange.

Nicotine

An addictive chemical component of cigarette smoke that paralyzes tracheal cilia, restricts airflow, raises blood pressure and heart rate, and elevates osteoporosis risk.

Tar

A sticky, toxic byproduct of cigarette smoke that coats lung tissue, destroys alveoli, causes bronchitis and smoker's cough, and contains carcinogens.

Smoker's Lungs

Lungs deteriorated by chronic smoking, appearing black or gray from tar deposition, permanently inflated, inflamed, and accompanied by diaphragm muscle loss.

Carbon Monoxide

A toxic gas present in cigarette smoke that binds irreversibly to hemoglobin, severely reducing the blood's capacity to transport oxygen.

Chronic Bronchitis

A respiratory condition characterized by irritation and inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles, causing excess mucus secretion and restricted airflow.

Emphysema

A disease in which alveolar walls lose elasticity and break down, dramatically reducing surface area for diffusion and causing bronchioles to collapse.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

The psychoactive chemical in marijuana that triggers memory loss, impaired coordination, anxiety, and panic attacks.

Photosynthesis

An energy-requiring process in green plants, algae, and some bacteria that takes place in chloroplasts, converting carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight into glucose and oxygen ($6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$).