Respiratory Mechanics Quiz

The primary muscle responsible for inhalation, contracting to flatten and expand the chest cavity, drawing air into the lungs.

The primary muscles that raise the ribs during inhalation, increasing chest cavity volume.

Muscles that contract during active exhalation, pulling the ribs down and shrinking the chest cavity.

Muscles that aid in active exhalation, further depressing the ribs and pushing the relaxed diaphragm upward.

The process of breathing, involving the inhalation of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide.

The windpipe, a tube made of cartilage that carries air from the larynx to the lungs.

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs between the air and blood.

The flap of cartilage that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing.

Muscles that run between the ribs, helping to expand and contract the chest cavity during breathing.

The dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity, responsible for breathing.

The process of breathing, involving the movement of air into and out of the lungs.

The active process of drawing air into the lungs. It occurs when the diaphragm contracts and flattens, and the external intercostal muscles pull the ribs upward and outward, increasing the volume of the chest cavity.

The passive process of expelling air from the lungs. It occurs when the diaphragm relaxes and returns to its dome shape, and the external intercostal muscles relax, allowing the ribs to move downward and inward, decreasing the volume of the chest cavity.

The pressure difference between the inside and outside of the lungs that drives the flow of air during breathing.

The space between the pleural membranes that surrounds the lungs. It helps to create a negative pressure that keeps the lungs inflated.

During inspiration, the elastic tissues of the lungs stretch, allowing them to expand. This stretching is important for accommodating the increase in lung volume

The thin barrier between the alveolus and the capillary, composed of fused basement membranes, alveolar epithelium, and capillary endothelium. It acts as a pathway for the efficient exchange of gases between the air we breathe and the bloodstream.

During expiration, the elastic tissues of the lungs recoil, helping to push air out of the lungs. This recoil is crucial for efficient exhalation.

The tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. They are designed to maximize surface area for efficient oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide release.

During inspiration, the pressure within the pleural cavity, the space between the lungs and the chest wall, becomes negative. This negative pressure helps draw air into the lungs.

The layer of cells lining the alveolus, which is responsible for gas exchange with the capillaries.

During expiration, the pressure within the pleural cavity returns to its normal, slightly positive state. This pressure change allows exhalation to occur.

The movement of gases across the respiratory membrane from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. This is how oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide leaves.

The pressure inside the lungs decreases during inspiration, creating a pressure gradient that draws air into the lungs. This pressure difference is crucial for gas exchange.

The thin layer of cells that line the capillaries, responsible for allowing gas exchange between blood and the alveoli.

The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. This occurs passively, without requiring energy.

Diffusion plays a significant role in gas exchange in the lungs. Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood, and carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli.

The extremely thin walls of alveoli and capillaries, combined with their moist lining, allow for the rapid diffusion of gases. These factors are essential for efficient gas exchange.

The small size and biconcave shape of red blood cells maximize their surface area relative to their volume, enabling efficient oxygen uptake and transport.

Oxygen travels from the alveoli through the thin membranes of both alveoli and blood vessels into red blood cells.

The process of air moving in and out of the lungs, controlled by pressure changes in the chest cavity.

When the diaphragm contracts, it flattens, pulling air into the lungs as the chest cavity expands. This decreases lung pressure.

When the diaphragm relaxes, it moves back up, increasing pressure in the lungs, forcing air out. The ribcage also moves down and in.

Small air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. They have many adaptations to maximize efficiency.

They have a large surface area, thin walls, and short diffusion pathways, promoting rapid gas exchange between air and blood.