126 Questions
What is the primary function of the respiratory system that involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide?
Gas exchange
What structure prevents food and drink from entering the lungs during swallowing?
Epiglottis
Which part of the respiratory system is responsible for conducting air in and out of the lungs?
Conduction zone
What is the term for the process by which oxygen diffuses into the blood and carbon dioxide diffuses out in the alveoli?
Simple diffusion
What is the purpose of the hairs in the nose, mucus, and cilia in the conduction zone?
To filter out debris and pathogens
What is the term for the movement of air in and out of the lungs?
Ventilation
What is the purpose of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles in the respiratory system?
To assist in ventilation
What is the term for the process of maintaining the blood's pH level?
Maintaining blood pH
What is the site of gas exchange in the lungs?
Alveoli
What is the purpose of the nasal cavity in the respiratory system?
To filter out debris and pathogens
Match the following respiratory system components with their functions:
Trachea = Air passage between larynx and bronchi Diaphragm = Muscle that aids in breathing Epiglottis = Cartilaginous flap that covers the passageway to the lungs Alveoli = Site of gas exchange in the lungs
Match the following respiratory system components with their locations:
Nasal cavity = First point of entry for air in the respiratory system Pharynx = Passageway for both food and air Bronchi = Airways that branch off from the trachea Larynx = Voice box that contains the vocal cords
Match the following respiratory system components with their features:
Conduction zone = Has hairs, mucus, and cilia to filter the air Alveoli = Has a large surface area, a net of capillaries, and a thin air-blood barrier Bronchioles = Site of gas exchange in the lungs Trachea = Has Cartilaginous rings to keep it open
Match the following respiratory system components with their functions:
Intercostal muscles = Muscles that aid in breathing Larynx = Produces sound for speech Nasal cavity = Humidifies and warms the air Bronchi = Airways that branch off from the trachea
Match the following respiratory system components with their functions:
Pharynx = Passageway for both food and air Epiglottis = Prevents food and drink from entering the lungs Alveoli = Site of gas exchange in the lungs Diaphragm = Muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity
Match the following respiratory system components with their locations:
Bronchioles = Divisions of the bronchi that lead to the alveoli Trachea = Air passage between the larynx and bronchi Nasal cavity = Upper part of the respiratory tract Larynx = Voice box located in the throat
Match the following respiratory system components with their functions:
Conduction zone = Conducts air in and out of the lungs Alveoli = Site of gas exchange in the lungs Intercostal muscles = Aid in expanding and deflating the chest cavity Epiglottis = Covers the passageway to the lungs during swallowing
Match the following respiratory system components with their features:
Alveoli = Has a large surface area, a net of capillaries, and a thin air-blood barrier Conduction zone = Has features to filter, warm, and humidify the air Bronchi = Has cartilaginous rings to keep it open Trachea = Divides into two bronchi
Match the following respiratory system components with their functions:
Diaphragm = Muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity Intercostal muscles = Aid in expanding and deflating the chest cavity Pharynx = Passageway for both food and air Nasal cavity = First point of entry for air in the respiratory system
Match the following respiratory system components with their locations:
Larynx = Located in the throat Trachea = Located between the larynx and bronchi Bronchioles = Located at the end of the bronchi Alveoli = Located at the end of the bronchioles
What is the primary function of alveolar surface tension?
To resist distension and promote the collapse of the lungs during exhalation
What is the role of surfactant in the lungs?
To break up hydrogen bonds and reduce alveolar surface tension
What is the effect of emphysema on ventilation?
It decreases lung elasticity
What is the effect of respiratory distress syndrome on ventilation?
It decreases surfactant production
What is the effect of the diameter of airways on airflow?
Smaller diameters decrease airflow
What is the cause of narrowing of airways in conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and COPD?
Mucous accumulation and contraction of smooth muscle
What happens to the diameter of bronchioles during exercise?
It increases
What is the result of increased bronchiole diameter during exercise?
Increased airflow
What is the direction of air movement during inhalation?
from higher atmospheric pressure to lower intrapulmonary pressure
What changes occur in the thoracic cavity during inhalation?
The volume increases, and the intrapulmonary pressure decreases
What property of the lungs allows them to return to their original shape during exhalation?
Elasticity
During exhalation, what happens to the intrapulmonary pressure?
It increases due to the decrease in thoracic cavity volume
According to Boyle's Law, what happens to the pressure of a gas when its volume increases?
It decreases
What is the primary driver of ventilation?
The pressure gradient
What happens to the air during inhalation?
It moves from higher atmospheric pressure to lower intrapulmonary pressure
What is necessary for the lungs to accommodate volume changes during inhalation?
Distensibility
Match the following pressure types with their descriptions:
Atmospheric pressure = The pressure outside the body Intrapulmonary pressure = The pressure inside the lungs Intra-alveolar pressure = An alternative term for intrapulmonary pressure Thoracic pressure = The pressure inside the chest cavity
Match the following muscle actions with their effects on intrapulmonary pressure:
Diaphragm contraction = Decreases intrapulmonary pressure Diaphragm relaxation = Increases intrapulmonary pressure Intercostal muscle contraction = Increases intrapulmonary pressure Intercostal muscle relaxation = Decreases intrapulmonary pressure
Match the following processes with their descriptions:
Inhalation = Air moves from higher atmospheric pressure to lower intrapulmonary pressure Exhalation = Air moves from higher intrapulmonary pressure to lower atmospheric pressure Ventilation = The process of maintaining the blood's pH level Respiration = The process of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide
Match the following tissue types with their functions in the lungs:
Elastic connective tissue = Helps lungs return to their original shape during exhalation Distensible tissue = Allows lungs to expand during inhalation Rigid tissue = Provides structural support to the lungs Inelastic tissue = Prevents lung expansion during inhalation
Match the following respiratory conditions with their effects on ventilation:
Emphysema = Decreasing lung elasticity and making it harder for the lungs to expand and contract Respiratory distress syndrome = Reducing surfactant production and making it harder for the lungs to expand during inhalation Asthma = Narrowing airways and increasing resistance COPD = Increasing mucous accumulation and decreasing airway diameter
Match the following components with their functions in the respiratory system:
Surfactant = Breaking up hydrogen bonds and reducing alveolar surface tension Alveolar surface tension = Helping to resist distension and promoting the collapse of the lungs during exhalation Type 2 alveolar cells = Releasing surfactant to help with ventilation Bronchioles = Regulating airflow by changing diameter
Match the following conditions with their effects on airways:
Asthma = Causing constriction of airways through smooth muscle contraction Bronchitis = Increasing mucous accumulation and decreasing airway diameter COPD = Narrowing airways and increasing resistance Exercise = Increasing bronchiole diameter and enhancing airflow
Match the following components with their roles in the respiratory system:
Alveoli = Site of gas exchange in the lungs Bronchioles = Regulating airflow by changing diameter Type 2 alveolar cells = Releasing surfactant to help with ventilation Surfactant = Breaking up hydrogen bonds and reducing alveolar surface tension
Match the following conditions with their effects on lung function:
Emphysema = Damaging alveoli and decreasing lung elasticity Respiratory distress syndrome = Reducing surfactant production and making it harder for the lungs to expand during inhalation Asthma = Narrowing airways and increasing resistance COPD = Increasing mucous accumulation and decreasing airway diameter
Match the following components with their roles in the respiratory system:
Type 2 alveolar cells = Releasing surfactant to help with ventilation Alveoli = Site of gas exchange in the lungs Surfactant = Breaking up hydrogen bonds and reducing alveolar surface tension Bronchioles = Regulating airflow by changing diameter
Match the following conditions with their effects on ventilation:
COPD = Increasing mucous accumulation and decreasing airway diameter Asthma = Narrowing airways and increasing resistance Respiratory distress syndrome = Reducing surfactant production and making it harder for the lungs to expand during inhalation Emphysema = Damaging alveoli and decreasing lung elasticity
What determines the direction of gas movement in gas exchange?
Partial pressure gradients
What is the primary direction of oxygen movement in the process of gas exchange?
From the lungs to the tissues
What is the approximate partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli?
100
In the tissues, what happens to oxygen and carbon dioxide?
Oxygen moves into the cells and carbon dioxide moves into the blood
What is the normal range of oxygen saturation in the blood measured by a pulse oximeter?
95-100%
What is the measurement of blood gas levels crucial for understanding?
The process of gas exchange
What facilitates gas exchange in the lungs?
All of the above
What condition can cause oxygen levels to drop as low as 50%?
COVID
What is the approximate partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood?
46
How is carbon dioxide levels measured in blood panels?
As bicarbonate levels
Where does gas exchange occur in the lungs?
Alveoli
What determines the direction of oxygen movement in the lungs?
Concentration gradient
What is the purpose of measuring blood gas levels?
To provide valuable information for diagnosis and treatment
What is the approximate partial pressure of oxygen in the blood entering the tissues?
100
What is the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood in the lungs?
Between 75-100 mmHg
What happens to the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the lungs?
It decreases
What is the process by which gases move across membranes?
Simple diffusion
What is the cycle of gas exchange?
From the tissues to the heart to the lungs
Match the following conditions with their effects on oxygen levels:
COVID = oxygen levels drop to as low as 50 percent Normal conditions = oxygen levels between 95 to 100 percent Exercise = oxygen levels increase Asthma = oxygen levels decrease
Match the following components with their roles in the process of gas exchange:
Lungs = oxygen is taken up and carbon dioxide is removed Heart = oxygen-rich blood is pumped to the tissues Tissues = oxygen is used and carbon dioxide is produced Brain = regulates the process of gas exchange
Match the following pressures with their changes in the lungs:
Partial pressure of oxygen = increases Partial pressure of carbon dioxide = decreases Intrapulmonary pressure = decreases during inhalation Atmospheric pressure = remains constant
Match the following components with their measurements in blood gas levels:
Oxygen = partial pressure in mmHg Carbon dioxide = reported as bicarbonate levels Oxygen saturation = percentage measured by pulse oximeter pH levels = measured in blood panels
Match the following conditions with their effects on blood gas levels:
Respiratory conditions = oxygen levels may decrease Normal conditions = blood gas levels remain normal Cardiovascular conditions = oxygen levels may increase Metabolic conditions = carbon dioxide levels may increase
Match the following components of the respiratory system with their characteristics:
Alveoli = Thin membranes that facilitate diffusion Lung tissues = High partial pressure of oxygen Blood = Low partial pressure of carbon dioxide Cells = High partial pressure of carbon dioxide
Match the following gases with their direction of movement in the lungs:
Oxygen = From blood into the alveoli Carbon dioxide = From alveoli into the blood
Match the following locations with their partial pressure of oxygen:
Alveoli = Around 100 Blood in the lungs = Around 40 Blood entering the tissues = Around 100 Cells = Around 40
Match the following with their role in gas exchange:
Concentration gradients = Determine the direction of gas movement Simple diffusion = Facilitates gas exchange in the lungs Large surface area = Increases the rate of gas exchange Thin membranes = Prevents gas exchange from occurring
Match the following with their characteristics in the lungs:
Alveoli = Tiny, grape-like structures Lung tissues = Large surface area Blood = Moves oxygen from the alveoli into the blood Cells = Moves carbon dioxide from the blood into the cells
Match the following with their direction of movement in the tissues:
Oxygen = Moves from the cells into the blood Carbon dioxide = Moves from the blood into the cells
What percentage of oxygen in the blood is dissolved in plasma?
1.5%
What is the maximum number of oxygen molecules that can bind to a hemoglobin molecule?
4
Where does the loading reaction occur?
Lungs
What promotes the unloading reaction?
Low partial pressure of oxygen, acidic conditions, and increased temperature
What is the term for the curve showing the percent oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in response to partial pressure of oxygen?
Oxygen dissociation curve
In which state does hemoglobin exist when oxygen is bound to it?
Oxyhemoglobin
What is the result of the unloading reaction?
Oxygen is released from oxyhemoglobin
Where does the unloading reaction occur?
Tissues
What is the purpose of hemoglobin in the blood?
To store oxygen temporarily
What is the term for the process of oxygen moving from the alveoli into the blood?
Simple diffusion
Match the following hemoglobin reaction locations with their corresponding reactions:
Lungs = Loading reaction Tissues = Unloading reaction Alveoli = Simple diffusion Plasma = Dissolved oxygen
Match the following factors with their effects on oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve:
Increased temperature = Shift to the right Low partial pressure of oxygen = Shift to the right Acidic conditions = Shift to the right High partial pressure of oxygen = Shift to the left
Match the following with their oxygen binding capacity:
Hemoglobin = Up to four oxygen molecules Plasma = One oxygen molecule Alveoli = Two oxygen molecules Muscles = Three oxygen molecules
Match the following with their primary function in the respiratory system:
Hemoglobin = Oxygen transport Alveoli = Gas exchange Plasma = Carbon dioxide transport Lungs = Oxygen storage
Match the following with their percentage of oxygen in the blood:
Hemoglobin = 98.5% Plasma = 1.5% Alveoli = 50% Muscles = 20%
Match the following states with their corresponding partial pressure of oxygen:
Lungs = High partial pressure of oxygen Tissues = Low partial pressure of oxygen Alveoli = Moderate partial pressure of oxygen Muscles = Variable partial pressure of oxygen
Match the following with their roles in oxygen transport:
Hemoglobin = Temporary storage compartment Alveoli = Oxygen loading site Plasma = Oxygen transport medium Lungs = Oxygen storage site
What is the primary location where carbon dioxide is produced in aerobic cellular respiration?
Mitochondria
What is the majority of carbon dioxide transported as in the plasma?
Bicarbonate
What is the enzyme responsible for converting carbon dioxide into carbonic acid in red blood cells?
Carbonic anhydrase
What is the pH range that the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffering system regulates in the blood?
7.35-7.45
What happens to the reaction when the blood pH is low (acidic)?
The reaction shifts to the left
What is the principle that governs the direction of the carbonic acid-bicarbonate reaction?
Le Chatelier's Principle
What is the form of carbon dioxide that is dissolved in the plasma?
Carbon dioxide gas
What is the role of carbonic anhydrase in the lungs?
To convert carbonic acid into water and carbon dioxide
What happens to the hydrogen ions when the pH is high (alkaline)?
They are released by carbonic acid
What is the net effect of the carbonic acid-bicarbonate reaction on blood pH?
It regulates blood pH
Match the following substances with their roles in the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffering system:
Hydrogen ions = Act as a buffer to remove excess Bicarbonate = Release hydrogen ions into the blood Carbonic acid = Dissociates into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate Carbamino hemoglobin = Transports carbon dioxide in the plasma
Match the following enzymes with their roles in the transport of carbon dioxide:
Carbonic anhydrase = Converts carbonic acid into water and carbon dioxide Pyruvate = Converts into acetyl-CoA and enters the Kreb's cycle Acetyl-CoA = Converts into carbon dioxide through the Kreb's cycle
Match the following forms of carbon dioxide with their locations in the blood:
Bicarbonate = Majority of carbon dioxide in the plasma Carbon dioxide gas = Small amount dissolved in the plasma Carbamino hemoglobin = Small amount bound to hemoglobin Carbonic acid = Inside red blood cells
Match the following reactions with their locations in the body:
Conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA = Mitochondria Conversion of carbonic acid into water and carbon dioxide = Lungs Conversion of carbon dioxide into carbonic acid = Red blood cells Dissociation of carbonic acid into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate = Plasma
Match the following substances with their roles in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide:
Hemoglobin = Binds to oxygen in the lungs Carbonic anhydrase = Converts carbon dioxide into carbonic acid Bicarbonate = Transports carbon dioxide in the plasma Oxygen = Dissolves in the plasma
Match the following substances with their roles in the regulation of blood pH:
Bicarbonate = Acts as a buffer to remove excess hydrogen ions Carbonic acid = Releases hydrogen ions into the blood Hydrogen ions = Cause a decrease in pH Carbon dioxide = Causes a decrease in pH
Match the following locations with their roles in the transport of carbon dioxide:
Mitochondria = Produces carbon dioxide through aerobic cellular respiration Red blood cells = Converts carbon dioxide into carbonic acid Lungs = Exchanges carbon dioxide for oxygen Plasma = Transports carbon dioxide in the form of bicarbonate
Match the following principles with their roles in the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffering system:
Le Chatelier's Principle = Governs the direction of the reaction Principle of gas exchange = Regulates the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide Principle of acid-base balance = Maintains the pH of the blood Principle of homeostasis = Maintains the overall balance of the body
What primarily regulates breathing rate?
Carbon dioxide and blood pH
What happens to blood pH when you hold your breath?
It becomes more acidic
What is the stimulus for the negative feedback response pathway that regulates breathing rate?
High CO2 levels and low pH
What is the role of chemoreceptors in the regulation of breathing rate?
To detect changes in CO2 levels and blood pH
What happens to breathing rate when CO2 levels drop?
It decreases
What is the effect of hyperventilation on blood pH?
It becomes more alkaline
Where are peripheral chemoreceptors located?
In the aortic arch and carotid body
What is the result of increased CO2 levels in the blood?
Blood pH becomes more acidic
What triggers the response to increase breathing rate?
High CO2 levels and low pH
What is the role of the respiratory centers in the brain?
To receive input from sensory neurons and regulate breathing rate
Match the following body components with their roles in regulating breathing rate:
Brain stem = Detecting changes in CO2 and pH levels Medulla oblongata = Receiving input from sensory neurons Aortic arch = Hosting peripheral chemoreceptors Pons = Sending output to respiratory muscles
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Acidic = Blood pH below normal Alkaline = Blood pH above normal Hyperventilation = Breathing too slowly Hypercapnia = Elevated CO2 levels
Match the following substances with their roles in the regulation of breathing rate:
Carbon dioxide = Stimulating an increase in breathing rate Oxygen = Regulating blood pH levels Hydrogen ions = Triggering a response to high CO2 levels Bicarbonate = Buffering excess hydrogen ions
Match the following physiological responses with their triggers:
Increase in breathing rate = High CO2 levels and low pH Decrease in breathing rate = Low CO2 levels and high pH Hyperventilation = High oxygen levels Hyperpnea = Low oxygen levels
Match the following components with their locations in the body:
Central chemoreceptors = Brain stem Peripheral chemoreceptors = Aortic arch and carotid body Medulla oblongata = Pons Respiratory centers = Cerebrum
Study Notes
- The respiratory system has three primary functions: ventilation (breathing), gas exchange (oxygen in, carbon dioxide out), and maintaining blood pH.
- The respiratory system also provides protection from pathogens and debris in the air through the conduction zone, which includes the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.
- The respiratory tract includes the respiratory tract and accessory structures like the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
- Air enters the respiratory system through the nostrils (nares) and moves into the nasal cavity, then the pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and finally the bronchioles, which terminate in the alveoli (air sacs) of the lungs.
- The epiglottis, a cartilaginous flap, covers the passageway to the lungs when swallowing food or drink to prevent entry into the lungs.
- The conduction zone (nasal cavity to bronchioles) is responsible for conducting air in and out of the lungs, humidifying and warming the air, and filtering out debris and pathogens.
- The conduction zone has features like hairs in the nose, mucus, and cilia (moving to push materials up and away from the lungs) to help filter the air.
- The alveoli are the site of gas exchange, where oxygen diffuses into the blood and carbon dioxide diffuses out, relying on simple diffusion.
- The alveoli have structural features that promote gas exchange, including a large surface area, a net of capillaries, and a thin air-blood barrier (one cell layer thick).
- Alveolar macrophages in the alveoli engulf debris and pathogens, providing a second line of defense.
- Type 2 alveolar cells produce pulmonary surfactant, which helps with lung expansion during inhalation.
- Chronic smoking damages the cilia, immune cells, and alveoli, leading to chronic respiratory issues.
- Emphysema, often associated with chronic smoking, damages delicate alveolar tissue, creating large air spaces and affecting gas exchange.
- Pulmonary fibrosis, caused by inhaling particulates, leads to inflammation, fibrous connective tissue development, and impacted gas exchange.
Learn about the three primary functions of the respiratory system, including ventilation, gas exchange, and maintaining blood pH. Explore the conduction zone, respiratory tract, and accessory structures, as well as the process of gas exchange in the alveoli.
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