Respiratory System Anatomy & Physiology

Flashcards covering anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system

Larynx

A structure part of the upper respiratory tract.

Alveoli

The place where gas exchange primarily occurs in the lungs.

Diaphragm

The main muscle responsible for breathing.

Bronchi

The structure the trachea divides into, left and right.

Nasal cavity

The part of the respiratory system responsible for filtering, warming, and moistening the air.

Pleural cavity

The space between the pleural membranes.

Simple squamous epithelium

The type of epithelium the alveolar walls are made of.

Decreases alveolar surface tension

The main function of surfactant in the lungs.

Epiglottis

This structure prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing.

Gas exchange

The main function of the respiratory system.

Bronchioles

The smallest conducting airway in the lungs.

Carbon dioxide

The gas primarily responsible for the stimulus to breathe.

Diffusion

The process by which oxygen moves from the alveoli into the blood.

Filters and warms air

A function of the respiratory mucosa.

Propel mucus and trapped particles

The primary role of cilia in the respiratory system.

Three

The number of lobes in the right lung.

Two

The number of lobes in the left lung.

Larynx

The structure directly involved in the production of sound.

Medulla oblongata

The part of the brain responsible for controlling the rhythm of breathing.

Has a cardiac notch

A characteristic of the left lung.

Nitrogen

The primary component of the air we breathe.

It makes up about 78% of Earth's atmosphere.

Production of red blood cells

A process NOT a function of the respiratory system.

Alveolar ducts

The bronchioles are connected to the alveoli by this.

Inspiratory reserve volume

The volume of air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation.

Total lung capacity

The total volume of air that the lungs can hold.

Carry oxygen

The function of hemoglobin in the blood.

Expiration

The process of exhaling.

Bronchioles

A structure that is part of the conducting zone of the respiratory system.

Carbon dioxide levels in the blood

The respiratory rate is controlled by this.

Lungs

The pleura is a double-layered membrane that surrounds this structure.

Hypoxia

This is reponsible for the sensation of shortness of breath (dyspnea).

Abdominal muscles

The primary muscles involved in forced exhalation.

Goblet cells

The structure responsible for the production of mucus in the respiratory tract.

The measurement of lung function

The term spirometry refers to…

Trachea

The bronchial tree begins at the…

Medulla oblongata

The region of the brain that detects changes in blood pH related to breathing.

Alveoli

This structure increases the surface area for gas exchange in the lungs.

Air conduction

The primary function of the conducting zone of the respiratory system.

Diaphragm

The process of breathing is initiated by the contraction of this muscle.

The exchange of gases between the lungs and the atmosphere

The term external respiration refers to…

The exchange of gases between the blood and the cells

The term internal respiration refers to…

It separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities

This is true about the diaphragm

Carbon dioxide levels in the blood

This is the primary regulator of the rate and depth of breathing.

Pneumothorax

This condition would most likely result in the collapse of the lungs.

Vital capacity

The total amount of air a person can exhale after a maximum inhalation.

Simple diffusion

This is responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the alveoli.

Bronchi

The conducting zone includes which of the following?

Asthma

A type of lung disorder caused by inflammation and obstruction of the airways.

Transports oxygen to tissues

Describes the role of hemoglobin in the blood.

Simple diffusion

The process of gas exchange in the alveoli occurs by this mechanism.