Respiratory System Flashcards

Flashcards about the respiratory system

What is the function of the pharynx?

Connects the nasal cavity and oral cavity to the larynx and esophagus

What are the functions of the nose in the respiratory system?

To moisten and warm air, provide an airway, filter and clean inhaled air, and contain olfactory receptors.

What are the three regions of the pharynx?

Nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

What passes through the nasopharynx?

air only

What passes through the oropharynx and laryngopharynx?

air and food

What is the role of the epiglottis?

It prevents food entry into the trachea.

What are the functions of the larynx?

Conducts air, prevents food entry, produces sound, and functions in reflexes.

What is the function of the vocal cords?

They create sound when air is expelled across them.

How many lobes does each lung have?

The right lung has three lobes, while the left lung has two lobes.

What is atelectasis?

Collapsed lung caused by air in the pleural space

What is pneumothorax?

Air in the intrapleural space

List the order that oxygen travels through the bronchial tree.

Primary (main) bronchus -> Secondary (lobar) bronchus -> Tertiary (segmental) bronchus -> Bronchiole -> Terminal bronchiole -> Respiratory bronchiole -> Alveolar duct -> Alveolar sac -> Alveolus

What structures make up the respiratory zone?

Respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, and alveoli.

What are the four processes of respiration?

Pulmonary ventilation, external respiration, transport of respiratory gases, and internal respiration.

What is pulmonary ventilation?

Air must be moved in and out of lungs (inspiration and expiration)

What is external respiration?

Gas exchange between blood and air at the lung alveoli

What is internal respiration?

Gas exchange between capillaries and body tissues

What muscles are involved in ventilation?

Diaphragm and external intercostals.

Describe what happens during inhalation

Intrapulmonary volume increases, pressure decreases, air enters the lungs.

Describe what happens during exhalation

Intrapulmonary volume decreases, pressure increases, air exits the lungs.

What is the average tidal volume (TV)?

500mL

What is inspiratory reserve volume?

Amount of air that can be taken in forcibily above TV

What is expiratory reserve volume?

Amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled

What is vital capacity (VC)?

4800 mL. Amount of exchangeable air

When you EXHALE, air flows through respiratory structures in which sequence?

alveolus, bronchiole, bronchus, trachea, larynx, pharynx, nasal cavity