Lab 11: Blood and Respiratory System Student Learning Outcomes

  • Name and function of blood components
  • Difference between internal and external respiration
  • Process of pulmonary ventilation
  • Describe respiration volumes both verbally and graphically
  • Identify pharynx, larynx, and lung structures with their functions

Key Terms

  • Agranulocytes: A type of white blood cell, includes lymphocytes and monocytes
  • Epiglottis: Muscle preventing food from entering trachea during swallowing
  • Laryngopharynx, Nasopharynx, Oropharynx: Sections of the pharynx; pathways for air and food
  • Segmental (Tertiary) Bronchi: Branches of the bronchi leading to alveoli
  • Erythrocytes: Red blood cells that transport oxygen
  • Neutrophil: White blood cell fighting infections, first responders
  • Platelets: Cell fragments aiding in blood clotting
  • Tidal Volume (TV): Volume of air exchanged during normal breathing
  • Vital Capacity (VC): Max air exhaled after maximum inhalation

Structures and Functions of the Conducting System

Pharynx
  • Function: Passageway for food and air
  • Subdivisions:
    • Nasopharynx: Passageway for air only
    • Oropharynx: Passageway for food and air
    • Laryngopharynx: Last segment before food and air separate
  • Larynx: Houses vocal cords, enables voice production
  • Epiglottis: Closes during swallowing to prevent choking
Larynx Structures
  • Thyroid Cartilage: Protects vocal cords
  • Vocal Folds: Vibrate to produce sound
  • Cricoid Cartilage: Provides protection and attachment for muscles
Bronchi and Lungs
  • Trachea: Main airway splitting into bronchi
  • Lobar Bronchi: Branch from primary bronchi into lung lobes
  • Segmental Bronchi: Lead to smaller bronchi and alveoli
  • Lungs: Contain alveoli for gas exchange, surrounded by pleura
    • Diaphragm: Primary muscle for breathing

Respiratory Physiology

Types of Respiration
  • Pulmonary Ventilation: Exchange of air between the lungs and the environment
  • Alveolar Gas Exchange (External Respiration): Oxygen into blood, CO2 from blood into alveoli
  • Systemic Gas Exchange (Internal Respiration): Exchange of gases in tissues
Volumes of Respiration
  • Tidal Volume (TV): Air exchanged during relaxed breathing
  • Inspiratory Capacity (IC): Maximum air inhaled after normal exhalation
  • Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV): Air exhaled after normal breathing
  • Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV): Additional air inhaled after normal breath
  • Residual Volume (RV): Air remaining after complete exhalation
  • Total Lung Capacity (TLC): Total volume of air in lungs at maximum inflation
  • Vital Capacity (VC): Max usable air after deep breath

Blood Components

Functions of Blood Components
  • Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes): Transport oxygen bound to hemoglobin
  • Plasma: Liquid component carrying nutrients, wastes, and proteins
  • Platelets: Involved in clotting
  • Leukocytes: Immune response against infections
    • Granulocytes: White blood cells with granules, including neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils
    • Agranulocytes: Includes lymphocytes and monocytes for long-term immunity
  • Hematocrit: Percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells
  • Hemoglobin: Oxygen-binding protein in red blood cells

Case Studies and Examples

  • Impacted Airway: Objects can get trapped in right bronchus due to its straight anatomy
    • Pathway of Foreign Object: Nasal cavity → Nasopharynx → Oropharynx → Laryngopharynx → Larynx → Trachea → Bronchi
  • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Affects inhalation/exhalation volumes due to airway resistance
    • Vital Capacity Calculation: Add ERV to measured inspiratory capacity
    • Volume Measurements: Tidal volume, inspiratory reserves reflect lung function.