Respiratory System Notes

Respiratory System

• Components: Nose, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli (site of gas exchange).

Trachea

• Epithelium: Consists of gland cells (secrete mucus to trap dust/bacteria) and ciliated cells (sweep mucus up to pharynx).

Alveoli Adaptations for Gaseous Exchange

• Large surface area: Numerous alveoli for faster diffusion.
• Thin alveolar walls: One cell thick for shorter diffusion distance.
• Moisture: Thin film allows gases to dissolve.
• Rich blood supply: Maintains concentration gradient.
• Gas Exchange Process: Diffusion driven by concentration gradients.

Exchange of Oxygen in Blood

• Oxygen dissolves in moisture, diffuses into blood capillaries, binds with hemoglobin to form oxyhemoglobin.

Effects of Smoking

• Nicotine: Attacks circulatory system, increases heart rate/blood pressure, causes addiction and blood clots.
• Carbon Monoxide: Combines with hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin, reduces oxygen transport, increases fatty deposits.
• Tar: Contains carcinogens, paralyzes cilia, increases mucus, leads to chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Respiratory Diseases Due to Smoking

• Chronic Bronchitis: Excess mucus, blocked airways, persistent cough.
• Emphysema: Breakdown of alveolar walls, decreased surface area, difficult breathing.
• Lung Cancer: Uncontrollable cell growth, tumor formation, decreased surface area.

Other Respiratory Issues

• Babies with low birthweight have less oxygen transported, lower respiration rate, and less energy available for cell growth.

Aerobic Respiration

• Breakdown of glucose with oxygen to release energy.
• Word Equation: $glucose + oxygen \rightarrow carbon dioxide + water$
• Location: Mitochondria.
• Energy Uses: Protein synthesis, cell growth/division, muscular contractions, maintaining body temperature.

Anaerobic Respiration

• Breakdown of glucose without oxygen, releasing less energy.
• Word Equation: $glucose \rightarrow lactic acid$