ATI TEAS 6: Respiratory System Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

Digest food

Transport nutrients

Facilitate gas exchange (correct)

Regulate blood pressure

What organs are included in the respiratory system?

Nasal cavity, pharynx, epiglottis, larynx, trachea, lungs, bronchioles, bronchi, diaphragm, alveolus.

What two systems work together to facilitate gas exchange in the body?

Respiratory system and cardiovascular system.

What happens to air as it passes through the pharynx?

It moves towards the larynx and is prepared for swallowing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the epiglottis?

Covers the entrance to the pharynx during swallowing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the larynx?

Voice box and passage for air. Signup and view all the answers

What does the trachea do?

Carries air to the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

What are bronchi?

Main passageways to the left and right lung. Signup and view all the answers

What do bronchioles terminate at?

Alveoli. Signup and view all the answers

What are alveoli?

Small sacs where gas exchange occurs. Signup and view all the answers

How does air enter the body?

Through the mouth and nasal cavities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the pathway of breathing?

Pharynx → Larynx → Trachea → Bronchi → Alveoli. Signup and view all the answers

What role do respiratory tract cells play?

They secrete mucus and other liquids. Signup and view all the answers

What is surfactant?

A detergent that reduces surface tension in alveoli. Signup and view all the answers

What are cilia?

Hair-like structures that move mucus and particles. Signup and view all the answers

The left lung is larger than the right lung.

False Signup and view all the answers

How many lobes does the right lung have?

Three. Signup and view all the answers

How many lobes does the left lung have?

Two. Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of gas exchange in the lungs?

Carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen in alveoli. Signup and view all the answers

What drives the diffusion of gases in the alveoli?

Concentration gradient. Signup and view all the answers

What is ventilation rate controlled by?

Medulla oblongata. Signup and view all the answers

What condition can cause increased ventilation rate?

Acidosis. Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to decreased ventilation rate?

Alkalosis. Signup and view all the answers

What is negative pressure breathing?

Inhalation caused by decreased pressure in the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

What does the total lung capacity measure?

Maximum volume of air in the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

What is residual volume?

Air remaining in the lungs to prevent collapse. Signup and view all the answers

What is vital capacity?

Total air exchanged during breathing. Signup and view all the answers

What factors can negatively affect lung function?

Genetic disorders, environmental factors, and infection. Signup and view all the answers

What is cystic fibrosis?

A genetic disorder causing thick mucus in respiratory tract. Signup and view all the answers

What does surfactant insufficiency lead to?

Difficulty breathing in newborns. Signup and view all the answers

What is asthma?

A condition characterized by inflammation of airways. Signup and view all the answers

What is emphysema?

Breakdown of alveoli in the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

Which pathogen causes flu?

Coronavirus Signup and view all the answers

What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?

Coughing up blood and weight loss. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the medulla oblongata concerning respiration?

It controls breathing by monitoring CO2 levels and blood pH. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Respiratory System Overview

Primary function: facilitate gas exchange between the body and the external environment, supplying oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.
Key components: nasal cavity, pharynx, epiglottis, larynx, trachea, lungs, bronchioles, bronchi, diaphragm, alveoli.

Interaction with Cardiovascular System

Oxygen diffuses into the bloodstream from the lungs, enabling cellular metabolism.
Carbon dioxide, a byproduct of metabolism, is transported back to the lungs for exhalation.

Pharynx and Epiglottis

Pharynx: passage for air, located at the junction of the trachea and esophagus; sensitive to food, triggering swallowing.
Epiglottis: flap of cartilage preventing entry of food and liquids into the respiratory tract during swallowing.

Larynx and Trachea

Larynx: also known as the voice box; directs air into the trachea.
Trachea: tube carrying air from mouth/nasal cavities to lungs; splits into bronchi.

Bronchi and Bronchioles

Bronchi: two main air passageways to the lungs, branching into smaller bronchioles.
Bronchioles: even smaller tubes that terminate at the alveoli, facilitating air delivery.

Alveoli and Gas Exchange

Alveoli: tiny sacs with walls one cell thick, maximizing diffusion efficiency for gas exchange.
Surface area for gas exchange estimated at 50 to 75 square meters, equivalent to a tennis court.

Lung Structure

Right lung: consists of three lobes, each covered by pleura with pleural fluid for protection.
Left lung: has two lobes and is smaller due to the heart's position.

Ventilation Mechanics

Negative pressure breathing: inhalation relies on decreased pressure in the lungs; diaphragm contraction increases lung volume.
Lung volumes: increased volume decreases internal lung pressure, drawing air in during inhalation; exhalation occurs as volume and pressure decrease.

Lung Capacities

Total lung capacity: average 6 liters for adults, comprising vital capacity and residual volume.
Residual volume: air that prevents lung collapse.
Vital capacity: total exchangeable air volume during breathing.

Respiratory Regulation and pH Influence

Ventilation rate controlled by the medulla oblongata, monitoring blood pH and CO2 levels.
Decreased blood pH (acidosis) prompts increased ventilation; increased pH (alkalosis) leads to decreased ventilation.

Negative Impact on Lung Function

Factors: genetic disorders, environmental issues, infections.
Cystic fibrosis: caused by genetic mutation leading to thick mucus and breathing difficulties.
Surfactant insufficiency: results in breathing challenges, often in newborns.

Respiratory Pathologies

Asthma: airway inflammation characterized by triggers and genetics, making breathing difficult.
Emphysema: leads to alveoli breakdown from smoking and chemical exposure.
Pathogens: examples include flu, tuberculosis, and walking pneumonia, each with distinct symptoms.

Surfactant and Cilia Functions

Surfactant: reduces surface tension in alveoli to prevent collapse.
Cilia: line the respiratory tract, moving mucus and trapped particles to maintain airway cleanliness.

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Description

This quiz provides a comprehensive set of flashcards focused on the respiratory system as featured in the ATI TEAS 6 exam. Test your understanding of the key components and functions of the respiratory system, including its interaction with the cardiovascular system. Perfect for students preparing for nursing and healthcare fields.