Biology Chapter: The Respiratory System

The primary organs of respiration, located in the chest cavity.

A series of passages that carry air to and from the lungs.

The upper part of the respiratory tract, includes the nasal passages, pharynx, epiglottis, glottis, larynx and trachea.

The lower part of the respiratory tract, includes the bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.

The two main branches that extend from the trachea into each lung.

Subdivisions of the bronchi inside each lung, do not contain cartilage.

Essential for gas exchange within the lungs. Oxygen is absorbed from the air into the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide is released from the bloodstream into the air.

The process by which oxygen is taken into the body and carbon dioxide is released from the body.

The process where air moves into the lungs, increasing lung volume and pressure.

The process where air moves out of the lungs, decreasing lung volume and pressure.

The exchange of gases between the alveoli in the lungs and the blood in the capillaries.

The exchange of gases between the blood and the body's cells.

The process where body cells use oxygen to break down nutrients and produce energy.

The protein in red blood cells that binds to and carries oxygen throughout the body.

Specialized sensory cells that detect changes in blood chemistry, such as carbon dioxide levels.

The total amount of air that the lungs can hold, calculated by adding vital capacity and residual volume.

The amount of air left in the lungs after a forceful exhale. It prevents the lungs from collapsing.

The maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after a deep inhalation.

Regular breathing, the amount of air inhaled and exhaled during a normal breath.

An infection of the tonsils at the back of the throat, typically caused by viruses. It may require surgery if recurrent.

The inflammation of the larynx (voice box), causing hoarseness. It can be caused by viral infections, allergies, or vocal strain.

Includes the nasal passages, pharynx, epiglottis, glottis, larynx, and trachea. Structures are affected during upper respiratory tract infections.

The act of breathing, which involves taking oxygen into the body and releasing carbon dioxide.

Alveoli are tiny, balloon-like structures in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. They have thin walls, a large surface area, and are covered in surfactant to prevent them from collapsing.

The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that flattens when inhaling, increasing chest cavity volume. It then relaxes and domes back up during exhalation, decreasing volume and pushing air out.

Intercostal muscles are found between the ribs and help move the ribcage during breathing. They contract during inhalation, expanding the chest cavity, and relax during exhalation, decreasing the cavity size.

Breathing is the process of exchanging air between the lungs and the atmosphere. It involves two phases: inspiration (inhaling) and expiration (exhaling).

Inhalation is the process of taking in air, actively accomplished by the contraction of intercostal muscles and diaphragm. This increases chest cavity volume, causing lower lung pressure and drawing air in.

Exhalation is the process of letting out air, typically passive. The relaxation of intercostal muscles and diaphragm decreases chest cavity volume, increasing lung pressure and forcing air out.

The pleural membrane is a double-layered membrane that surrounds each lung, allowing it to expand and contract smoothly with the chest cavity.

Surfactant is a substance that coats the inside of alveoli, reducing surface tension and preventing them from collapsing during exhalation.

The part of the brainstem that regulates breathing, receiving input from chemoreceptors and controlling breathing rate and depth.

High levels of CO2 in the blood stimulate a nerve response to increase breathing movements. Low levels of oxygen also trigger increased breathing.

The maximum volume of air that can be held in the lungs.

A spirometer measures lung capacity, using a tube connected to an inverted container floating on water. The expelled air displaces water.

A spirograph shows the amount of air moving in and out of the lungs with each breath, representing the volume of air in the lungs over time.

The volume of air breathed in and out in one normal breath, typically around 0.50 L. Only about 0.35 L of air reaches the alveoli; the rest fills the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.

The additional volume of air that can be inhaled beyond a normal breath, involving expanding the lungs using neck and abdominal muscles along with the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

The additional volume of air that can be exhaled beyond a normal breath.

Inflammation of the bronchi, characterized by mucus buildup and coughing.

Acute bronchitis is short-term and is usually caused by a bacterial infection, often treated with antibiotics.

Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition caused by constant exposure to irritants, like smoking. It often leads to frequent coughing and mucus buildup.

Infection of the alveoli, causing fluid buildup and gas exchange issues.

Inflammation of the pleura membrane, which lines the lungs, causing sharp chest pain.

Progressive lung disease that weakens and destroys alveolar walls.

Genetic disorder causing thick, sticky mucus buildup in the lungs, leading to frequent infections.

Chronic inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles, causing breathing difficulties.