The Thorax and Gas Exchange

Flashcards covering key concepts about the thorax and gas exchange processes.

What is respiration?

The reaction which takes place in the mitochondria of cells and releases energy from glucose.

What is breathing?

The process of moving air in and out of the lungs.

What are the adaptations of the alveoli for gas exchange?

Alveoli are tiny air sacs adapted for efficient gas exchange.

What is the function of the diaphragm during breathing?

It is a sheet of muscle that helps make breathing movements and separates the thorax from the abdomen.

What role do intercostal muscles play in ventilation?

They move the ribs for ventilation (breathing).

What happens during inhalation?

Intercostal muscles contract, diaphragm contracts and flattens, the volume of the thorax increases, which reduces pressure, causing air to move into the lungs.

What are pleural membranes?

Thin moist membranes forming an airtight seal around the lungs, separating the inside of the thorax from the lungs.

What is the function of the trachea?

A tube with incomplete rings of cartilage that carries air to the lungs.

What is gas exchange?

The 'swapping' of gases between the alveolar air and the blood.

What is the purpose of ventilation?

The movement of air into and out of the lungs to maintain concentration gradients of oxygen and carbon dioxide.