Module 15: Respiratory System

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and key concepts related to the human respiratory system and its functions.

Respiratory System

System responsible for gas exchange in organisms.

Gas Exchange

Process of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the body.

Ventilation

The movement of air in and out of the lungs.

Cellular Respiration

Process by which cells break down glucose to produce energy, CO2, and water.

Diffusion

The process by which gas molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Pharynx

The throat; the passage from the mouth and nose to the esophagus and larynx.

Larynx

Also known as the voice box; involved in sound production.

Trachea

The windpipe; the tube that connects the pharynx and larynx to the bronchi.

Bronchi

The major air passages that branch from the trachea to the lungs.

Bronchioles

Smaller branches of the bronchi that lead to alveoli.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Diaphragm

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

Intercostal Muscles

Muscles located between the ribs that assist with breathing.

Oxygenated Blood

Blood that is rich in oxygen.

Deoxygenated Blood

Blood that is low in oxygen and high in carbon dioxide.

Spirometer

An instrument used to measure lung volumes and airflow.

Tidal Volume

The amount of air that moves in and out of the lungs per breath.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume

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

Expiratory Reserve Volume

The additional volume of air that can be exhaled after a normal exhalation.

Residual Volume

The amount of air left in the lungs after maximum exhalation.

Vital Capacity

The total volume of air that can be exhaled after maximal inhalation.

Total Lung Capacity

The maximal amount of air the lungs can hold.

Feedback Regulation

The process of monitoring and responding to changes in carbon dioxide and oxygen levels.

CO2 Sensors

Receptors that detect levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.

O2 Sensors

Receptors that detect oxygen levels in the blood.

Pons

Part of the brain that helps regulate breathing.

Medulla

The part of the brain responsible for autonomic functions, including breathing.

Chemoreceptors

Sensory receptors that respond to chemical changes in the body.

Pleural Space

The space between the pleurae surrounding each lung.

Inhalation

The act of taking air into the lungs.

Exhalation

The act of expelling air from the lungs.

Path length for diffusion

The distance gases must travel to exchange between alveoli and capillaries.

Alveolar Pressure

The pressure within the alveoli of the lungs.

Thoracic Cavity

The chamber of the body that contains the lungs and heart.

Lubrication

A thin layer of fluid that reduces friction between organs in the pleural cavity.

Cardiac Output

The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute.

Airflow

The movement of air into and out of the lungs.

Ventilation Rate

The number of breaths taken per minute.

Blood Capillaries

Smallest blood vessels where gas exchange occurs.

Respiratory Muscles

Muscles involved in the process of breathing.

Surface Area for Gas Exchange

The area available for oxygen and carbon dioxide to diffuse.

Nervous System Control

The system that regulates involuntary breathing movements through neural input.

Regulation of Breathing

Mechanisms that control the rhythm and depth of breathing.