Biology Chapter 10: The Respiratory System

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the primary functions of the respiratory system?

Pumping blood throughout the body

Exchanging carbon dioxide and oxygen (correct)

Regulating blood pressure

Producing digestive enzymes

Where does gas exchange occur in the respiratory system?

At the alveoli (correct)

In the nasal passages

In the trachea

In the bronchi

How does air get processed in the nasal passages?

It is completely expelled from the lungs.

It is dried and filtered through muscle lining.

It is moistened and warmed by mucus and blood vessels. (correct)

It is cooled and heated before entering the trachea.

What occurs when the vocal cords are stretched tighter?

A higher pitched voice is produced. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the trachea during heavy breathing?

Smooth muscle allows it to widen. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of long-term smoking on the respiratory system?

Paralysis of cilia in the trachea Signup and view all the answers

What structure prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing?

Epiglottis Signup and view all the answers

Why do men typically have deeper voices after puberty?

Their vocal cords become longer. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the lubricating fluid between pleural membranes play in respiration?

It facilitates inhalation and exhalation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following percentages represents the amount of carbon dioxide that is bound to hemoglobin?

23% Signup and view all the answers

How does the brain regulate the breathing rate in response to increased carbon dioxide levels?

It enhances stimulation of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Signup and view all the answers

In which condition does pneumonia inhibit gas exchange in the alveoli?

Excess fluids accumulate due to infection. Signup and view all the answers

What type of receptors in the carotid and aortic bodies are sensitive to low oxygen levels?

Oxygen sensors. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of tuberculosis?

Coughing up blood. Signup and view all the answers

What causes the diaphragm to return to its domed shape during exhalation?

Passive recoil of the diaphragm. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of oxygen is transported dissolved in blood plasma?

2% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of cilia and mucus in the respiratory tract?

They trap and remove foreign particles and pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the bronchioles during an asthma attack?

They constrict and produce increased mucus. Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is involved in gas exchange within the lungs?

Alveoli Signup and view all the answers

What is the leading cause of emphysema?

Cigarette smoking. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the lungs during inhalation?

Increased volume and decreased pressure. Signup and view all the answers

How many alveoli are estimated to be in both lungs combined?

300 million Signup and view all the answers

What causes the heart to work harder in patients with emphysema?

Decreased gas exchange due to destroyed alveoli. Signup and view all the answers

What role do abdominal muscles play during active exhalation?

They contract to push the diaphragm upwards. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the nasal passages in the respiratory system?

To filter and warm the air Signup and view all the answers

What effect does smoking have on the cilia in the trachea?

It paralyzes the cilia. Signup and view all the answers

How does the epiglottis function during the swallowing reflex?

It prevents food from entering the trachea. Signup and view all the answers

What does the smooth muscle in the trachea allow during heavy breathing?

It widens the trachea. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes the function of hemoglobin in the respiratory process?

It binds to oxygen for transport in the blood. Signup and view all the answers

How do vocal cords contribute to the pitch of sound?

Stretched cords result in a higher pitched voice. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of gas exchange occurring specifically at the alveoli?

It facilitates the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Signup and view all the answers

Which function is influenced by the resonating chambers found in the upper respiratory tract?

Modulating voice quality Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during an asthma attack that affects breathing?

Smooth muscles in the bronchioles constrict and increase mucus production. Signup and view all the answers

What component is notably absent in bronchioles that is present in the bronchi?

Cartilage Signup and view all the answers

Which statement most accurately describes the function of inhalers for asthma patients?

They widen the bronchioles to facilitate breathing. Signup and view all the answers

How does emphysema primarily affect lung function?

It leads to the deterioration of alveoli, reducing gas exchange efficiency. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT mentioned as a potential trigger for asthma attacks?

High altitude Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason that smoking is linked to emphysema?

It leads to the destruction of alveoli over time. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the lungs during exhalation when abdominal muscles contract?

They help push the diaphragm upwards further, decreasing volume. Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of smoking on white blood cells in the respiratory tract?

It kills white blood cells, increasing infection risk. Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the stimulation of the diaphragm for inhalation?

Signal from the brain every 4-5 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of carbon dioxide is transported in the form of plasma bicarbonate?

70% Signup and view all the answers

Which structure in the body monitors hydrogen ions in the spinal fluid for breathing regulation?

Medulla oblongata Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during exhalation as a result of muscle relaxation?

Recoil of the ribs to the previous shape Signup and view all the answers

How does the body respond to decreased oxygen levels according to the information provided?

Breathing becomes faster and deeper Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of pneumonia on alveoli?

Secretion of excess fluids Signup and view all the answers

What role does the brain have over the muscles involved in breathing?

Controls muscle contraction through conscious thought Signup and view all the answers

Which respiratory condition involves serious damage to lung tissue and is often fatal without treatment?

Tuberculosis Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 10: The Respiratory System

The respiratory system's functions include exchanging carbon dioxide and oxygen, and producing noises (speech).

Respiratory System Components

Upper Respiratory Tract:
- Nose: Passageway for air
- Mouth: Passageway for air and food
- Epiglottis: Covers larynx during swallowing.
- Nasal Cavity: Filters, warms, and moistens air.
- Pharynx (Throat): Common passageway for air, food, and liquid.
- Larynx (Voice Box): Produces sound
- Trachea (Windpipe): Main airway.
Lower Respiratory Tract:
- Pleural Membranes: Cover the lungs and line the chest cavity.
- Lungs: Organ of gas exchange.
- Intercostal Muscles: Move the ribs during respiration.
- Ribs: Support the lungs & facilitate breathing
- Diaphragm: Skeletal muscle of respiration.
- Bronchi: Branching airways.
- Alveoli: Air sacs for gas exchange.

Path of Oxygen

Oxygen inhaled enters the body through the mouth or nose → pharynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli in lungs.
Oxygen diffuses into blood plasma in capillaries surrounding alveoli.
Oxygen binds to hemoglobin, then transported in blood vessels.
Oxygen is transported into blood plasma in capillaries throughout the body.
Oxygen diffuses into cells, then diffuses to mitochondria for aerobic respiration.
Carbon dioxide travels in the opposite direction.
Gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) occurs only in alveoli.

Upper Respiratory Tract

Sinus: Air cavities within the skull's bones.
Nasal Cavity: Air passage
External Nose: Visible part of the nasal cavity.
Nostril: Opening into the nasal cavity.
Tongue: Part of the mouth.
Larynx: Portion of the upper respiratory tract.
Esophagus: Food tube, passes behind the trachea.
Trachea: Windpipe, connects larynx to bronchi.
Glottis and Epiglottis: Control passage for food and air.

Nasal Passages

Passageway for respiration.
Receptors for smell (taste).
Collects foreign material (dirt and bacteria) in mucus.
Cilia moves material to pharynx for expulsion or swallowing.
Moistens and warms air before it reaches the lungs.
Resonating chamber for voice quality.

Lower Respiratory Tract

Includes the bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.

Larynx

Epiglottis: Covers trachea during swallowing.
Vocal cords vibrate when air passes through the narrow glottis to produce sounds (like speech).
Vocal cord tension determines pitch.
Larynx size impacts deeper voice tone in males after puberty due to increased size.
Laryngitis: Inflamed larynx; vocal cords may not vibrate correctly.

Trachea

Transports air to and from the lungs.
Supported by cartilage rings to maintain shape.
Smooth muscle allows adjustment (wider/narrower) for breathing/coughing, allowing adjustments in air pressure.

Smoking and Infections

Smoking paralyzes cilia in trachea, leading to smoker's cough. Smoking also kills white blood cells in the respiratory tract and causes cilia and white blood cell death, making smokers more vulnerable to respiratory tract infections.

Bronchi/Bronchioles

Bronchi are cartilage-supported tubes branching off the trachea.
Bronchioles are smaller tubes branching from the bronchi (lack cartilage) and have smooth muscle
Cilia and mucus are present in bronchioles and bronchi helping remove debris.

Asthma

Characterised by bronchioles constricting and excessive mucus production. Triggers can include allergens, pollution, stress, and respiratory infections
Attacks can be fatal, and sufferers require inhalers to open the airways.

Gas Exchange in Alveoli

Alveoli are small air sacs in the lungs.
Bronchioles end in several alveoli.
Lungs have millions of alveoli with a large surface area for efficient gas exchange.
Alveoli have a single cell layer with pulmonary capillaries (2 layers) for efficient diffusion (air and blood).

Gas Exchange: Capillaries and Alveoli

Gas exchange occurs between the pulmonary capillaries and alveoli, facilitated by the single-celled walls.

Emphysema

Alveolar deterioration over time.
Reduced gas exchange makes breathing difficult.
Heart works harder to circulate less oxygen in the blood.
Emphysema can be life-threatening. Smoking is a major reason, but frequent respiratory infections and genetics are also contributing factors.

Breathing (Inhalation/Exhalation)

Inhalation: External intercostal muscles and diaphragm contract expanding lungs and lowering air pressure.
Exhalation: Muscles relax, rib cage and diaphragm recoil. Increased air pressure pushes air out of lungs. Active exhalation involves abdominal muscles contracting and pulling diaphragm upwards.

Lungs

Contain bronchi, bronchioles, blood vessels, and alveoli.
Surrounded by pleural membranes with lubricating fluid for smoother expansion and contraction during breathing.
Inhalation is not caused by lung contraction but rather by altered air pressure.

Gas Transport (oxygen and carbon dioxide)

Oxygen is primarily bound to hemoglobin (98%).
The remaining amount (2%) is dissolved in blood plasma.
Carbon dioxide is bound to hemoglobin (23%), dissolved in blood plasma (7%), and in the form of bicarbonate ions (70%).

Nervous System Regulation of Breathing

Medulla oblongata: Breathing center establishing breathing patterns. Inhales every 4-5 seconds.
Diaphragm and intercostal muscles: Stimulated by the medulla oblongata. Breathing stops when stretch receptors in the lungs signal the brain.
Chemical Receptors: Respond to changes in the concentration of chemicals (like hydrogen ions or carbon dioxide) in spinal fluid to regulate breathing rate.
Carotid and Aortic Bodies monitor oxygen and carbon dioxide levels for breathing regulation.

Disorders of the Respiratory System

Pneumonia: Inflammation of alveoli due to bacterial or viral infections; fluid accumulation causing issues with breathing. Can be deadly; a possible complication of the flu.
Tuberculosis: Bacterial infection causing lung damage and scarring; leading fatal infectious illness. Very common (25% globally but 5-15% are sick). Difficult breathing and coughing up blood.
Cystic Fibrosis: Genetic disorder producing sticky mucus blocking airways. Infections often become fatal in those with cystic fibrosis. Patients must have lungs drained periodically. This is more common among Caucasians.
Lung Cancer: Uncontrolled cell division in lungs likely caused by smoking (>90% of cases). Impaired function due to tumors. Very preventable if people don't smoke.

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Description

Explore the complexities of the respiratory system in this quiz covering Chapter 10. You'll learn about its functions, components, and the pathways involved in gas exchange. Test your knowledge on everything from the upper respiratory tract to alveoli.