RGI_1_Respiratory_System_Respiratory_Pathways_Mechanism_of_ventilation_25-6

Homeotherm

An organism that maintains a stable internal body temperature regardless of external environmental conditions.

Respiratory pathways

The routes through which air flows during the processes of inhalation and exhalation.

Alveolar ultrastructure

The microscopic structure of alveoli, crucial for efficient gas exchange.

Respiratory distress syndrome

A condition often seen in neonates, characterized by difficulty in breathing due to insufficient surfactant.

Thoracic cavity

The chamber of the body that houses the lungs and heart, encased by the rib cage.

Alveolar pressure

The pressure within the alveoli of the lungs, influencing airflow and gas exchange.

Intrapleural pressure

The pressure in the pleural cavity, typically negative, to prevent lung collapse.

Mechanism of ventilation

The process of moving air in and out of the lungs, involving muscular action and pressure changes.

Hering-Breuer reflex

A protective reflex that prevents over-inflation of the lungs during inhalation.

Humoral regulation

Regulation of respiration by chemical signals in the blood, such as CO2 and O2 levels.

Aerobic respiration

A process in which cells use oxygen to produce ATP from glucose.

Gas exchange

The process of transferring oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the bloodstream.

External respiration

The exchange of gases between the environment and the blood in the lungs.

Gas transport

The movement of O2 and CO2 through the bloodstream to and from body tissues.

Internal respiration

The cellular respiration process where oxygen is used to produce energy and carbon dioxide is created.

Cilia

Hair-like structures that help move mucus out of the respiratory tract.

Surfactant

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

Pneumothorax

A condition where air enters the pleural space, causing lung collapse due to loss of negative pressure.

Diaphragm

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

Intercostal muscles

Muscles located between the ribs that assist with the movement of the ribcage during breathing.

Intrapulmonary pressure

The pressure within the lungs that changes during the phases of breathing.

Elastic recoil

The ability of the lungs to return to their original shape after being stretched or filled with air.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels where gas exchange occurs between the blood and tissues.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Type I pneumocytes

Cells that make up the majority of the alveolar wall and facilitate gas exchange.

Type II pneumocytes

Cells that secrete surfactant to reduce surface tension in alveoli.

Pleural cavity

The space between the visceral and parietal pleurae that contains pleural fluid.

Lungs

The primary organs of respiration responsible for gas exchange.

Asthma

A respiratory condition characterized by narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty in breathing.

Respiratory center

A group of neurons in the brain that controls the rate and depth of breathing.

Pontine respiratory group

A part of the pons that helps regulate the rhythm of breathing.

Medulla oblongata

A part of the brain located in the hindbrain that controls vital autonomic functions, including respiration.

Chemical regulation of respiration

The modulation of breathing rate and depth based on blood chemistry changes detected by chemoreceptors.

Inspiratory neurons

Neurons that stimulate the muscles responsible for inhalation.

Expiratory neurons

Neurons that stimulate the muscles responsible for exhalation.

Thoracic cage

The bony structure surrounding the thoracic cavity that protects the lungs and heart.