27 Questions
What is the primary function of the trachea?
To transport air to and from the lungs
What is the function of the bronchi?
To transport air to and from the lungs
What is the purpose of the smooth muscle in the bronchioles?
To regulate the diameter of the bronchioles
What structures are found at the end of the bronchioles?
Air sacs called alveoli
What is the role of the epiglottis during swallowing?
To prevent food and liquid from entering the lungs
Which of the following is NOT a structure that air travels down starting from the outside of the body?
Alveoli
What is the primary function of the pleural fluid?
To facilitate the movement of the lungs during breathing
How are the airways in the respiratory system similar to the branches on a tree?
All of the above
What is the primary difference between a primary bronchus and a tertiary bronchus?
The primary bronchus is wider in diameter than the tertiary bronchus
What is the purpose of the convolutions of the mucus membranes in the nasal cavity?
To warm and humidify the air before it enters the lungs
What is the primary driver of the process of inspiration (inhalation)?
Decreased pressure in the chest cavity
What causes the pressure of air inside the lungs to decrease during inspiration?
Contraction of the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles
Which of the following statements is true about the process of expiration?
The diaphragm bulges more into the chest cavity
What is the primary muscle responsible for changes in chest volume during normal, quiet breathing?
Diaphragm
What happens to the rib cage during inspiration?
It moves upwards and outwards
How does the pressure difference between the lungs and the outside environment cause air to flow during inspiration?
Air flows from low pressure to high pressure
What is the role of the pleura in the process of inspiration?
It allows the lungs to expand with the expanding chest cavity
What is the primary function of the constant flow of blood through the capillaries in the context of gas exchange in the lungs?
Maintain a concentration gradient between alveoli and blood
What happens to the blood as it flows through the capillaries surrounding each alveolus?
It picks up carbon dioxide and loses oxygen
Why is it essential for the concentration gradient of oxygen and carbon dioxide to be maintained during gas exchange?
To facilitate the diffusion of gases into and out of the blood
How does the introduction of new blood into the capillaries affect the concentration gradient for gas exchange?
It maintains the concentration gradient
What is the role of carbon dioxide in the context of gas exchange in the lungs?
To enhance oxygen absorption by the blood
Why is there a constant flow of blood through the capillaries surrounding each alveolus during gas exchange?
To continuously replenish blood with oxygen and remove carbon dioxide
What makes it easy for gases to diffuse to and from the body?
The characteristics mentioned in the text, such as the thin walls of the alveolus and capillary, and the film of moisture lining the alveolus
What is the function of the artery to the lungs?
It brings deoxygenated blood to the capillaries
What is the direction of oxygen diffusion in the alveolus?
From the air to the blood
What is the direction of carbon dioxide diffusion in the alveolus?
From the blood to the air
Test your knowledge on the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in inspired and expired air, and the process of diffusion of gases in and out of the blood. Practice understanding concentration gradients between alveoli and capillaries.
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