Respiratory and Digestive Systems Exam Preparation

Flashcards for key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on the respiratory and digestive systems.

Respiration

Overall process of gas exchange between the atmosphere and body cells.

Ventilation

Movement of air in and out of the lungs.

External Respiration

Gas exchange between air in lungs and blood.

Transport

Movement of gases through blood.

Internal Respiration

Gas exchange between blood and body cells.

Upper Respiratory Tract

Larynx and above in the respiratory system.

Lower Respiratory Tract

Trachea and below in the respiratory system.

Conducting Zone

Includes all respiratory passageways that conduct air to the respiratory zone.

Respiratory Zone

Site of gas exchange, including respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli.

Lobes of the Lungs

Right lung has 3 lobes; left lung has 2 lobes.

Pressure Gradient

Air flows from high to low pressure; necessary for ventilation.

Inspiration

Diaphragm contracts, increasing thoracic volume.

Exhalation

Diaphragm relaxes.

Tidal Volume

Normal amount of air inhaled/exhaled at rest.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume

Additional air that can be inhaled after normal inhalation.

Expiratory Reserve Volume

Additional air that can be exhaled after normal exhalation.

Residual Volume

Air remaining in lungs after maximum exhalation.

Vital Capacity

Total amount of air that can be exhaled after maximum inhalation.

Total Lung Capacity

Vital Capacity plus Residual Volume.

Carbon Dioxide

Primary regulator of breathing rate.

H+ ions

Affect pH and breathing rate.

Oxygen

Secondary factor in regulation of breathing.

External Respiration

Gas exchange process occurring in lungs.

Oxyhemoglobin

Form of hemoglobin bound to oxygen, primarily responsible for oxygen transport.

Bicarbonate Ion

Form in which carbon dioxide is transported in blood.

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, an inflammatory respiratory disorder.

Asthma

A respiratory disorder characterized by difficulty breathing due to inflammation and constricted airways.

Mechanical Digestion

Physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces.

Chemical Digestion

Breakdown of food molecules into nutrients via hydrolysis.

Enzymes

Proteins that speed up and facilitate chemical reactions during digestion.

Alimentary Canal

The continuous tube that runs from the mouth to the anus.

Pharynx

Connects nasal/oral cavities to esophagus/larynx; passageway for food.

Esophagus

Tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach, moving food through peristalsis.

Gastric Juices

Secretions in the stomach that aid digestion, including HCl and pepsin.

Liver

Organ that produces bile for lipid digestion and processes nutrients.

Bile Salts

Emulsify fats to aid in digestion of lipids.

Small Intestine

Main site of digestion and absorption; includes duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

Large Intestine

Absorbs water and vitamins, forms feces.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds used as energy source by the body.

Lipids

Storable energy source and component of cell membranes.

Proteins

Nutrients essential for enzyme functions and tissue repair.

Glycolysis

The first step in cellular respiration where glucose is converted to pyruvate.

Kreb's Cycle

Produces CO2, ATP, and NADH as part of cellular respiration.

Electron Transport Chain

Produces the majority of ATP during cellular respiration.

Appendicitis

Inflammatory disorder of the appendix.

Cirrhosis

Non-inflammatory liver disease.