Respiratory System Functions and Structures
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Respiratory System Functions and Structures

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

  • To produce hormones
  • To bring in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide (correct)
  • To digest food
  • To circulate blood

    • The diaphragm is a muscle that helps in the process of breathing.

    True

    What is external respiration?

    The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the blood.

    The ________ warms, moistens, and filters air as it enters the respiratory system.

    <p>nasal cavity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the respiratory system components to their functions:

    <p>Sinuses = Lighten head and warm air Pharynx = Passageway for air and food Diaphragm = Muscle for breathing Nasal cavity = Produces mucus and filters air</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is involved in gas transport in the respiratory system?

    <p>Blood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Internal respiration occurs between the lungs and blood.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of intercostal muscles in respiration?

    <p>They move ribs during breathing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the larynx?

    <p>Connects the pharynx to the trachea</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The epiglottis prevents air from entering the esophagus.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are alveoli responsible for in the respiratory system?

    <p>Gas exchange</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ connects the larynx to the bronchi.

    <p>trachea</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Bronchi = Branches off the trachea Surfactant = Keeps alveoli open Tonsils = Lymphatic tissue for infection defense Trachea = Windpipe connecting the larynx to the bronchi</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true about the structure of the trachea?

    <p>It is held open by cartilage rings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The primary function of alveoli is to produce vocal sounds.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many alveoli are generally found in the human lungs?

    <p>About 300 million</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the larynx?

    <p>To produce voice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The bronchioles are the largest air passageways in the lungs.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structure prevents food and drink from entering the lower respiratory system?

    <p>Epiglottis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _________ are microscopic chambers for gas exchange.

    <p>alveoli</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following structures of the respiratory system with their functions:

    <p>Nasal cavity = Filters, warms, and moistens air Trachea = Connects larynx with bronchi Pharynx = Passageway for air, liquids, and food Sinuses = Air-filled cavities that warm and moisten air</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following structures contains alveoli?

    <p>Bronchioles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The mucus membranes in the nasal cavity help to trap germs and debris.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the pressure in the lungs during inhalation?

    <p>It decreases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Exhalation is also known as expiration.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two branches of the trachea that conduct air to each lung called?

    <p>Bronchi</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical tidal volume for a normal breath?

    <p>500 ml</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process by which air moves into the lungs is called __________.

    <p>inhalation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Tidal Volume = Volume of air in a normal breath Inhalation = Process of drawing air into the lungs Exhalation = Process of expelling air from the lungs Oxyhemoglobin = Oxygen bound to hemoglobin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What causes the rib cage to move up and out during inhalation?

    <p>Intercostal muscles contract</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The diaphragm flattens during exhalation.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of hemoglobin in oxygen transport?

    <p>It binds to oxygen to form oxyhemoglobin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the epiglottis?

    <p>To cover the larynx during swallowing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The bronchi are the smallest air passageways in the lungs.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structures in the nasal cavity help to trap germs and debris?

    <p>Mucus membranes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ are responsible for gas exchange in the lungs.

    <p>alveoli</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following structures with their primary functions:

    <p>Larynx = Produces voice Trachea = Connects larynx with bronchi Bronchioles = Conduct air to alveoli Alveoli = Gas exchange</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which function is NOT performed by the nasal cavity?

    <p>Gas exchange</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The pharynx serves as a passageway for air, liquids, and food.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the pressure in the lungs during inhalation?

    <p>It decreases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do sinuses do in relation to the air entering the respiratory system?

    <p>Warm and moisten the air</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of the respiratory system?

    <p>To exchange gases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ divide into smaller passages called bronchioles.

    <p>bronchi</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Inhalation is also called expiration.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a normal breath called?

    <p>Tidal volume</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the lower respiratory system contains alveoli?

    <p>Lungs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    External respiration occurs between the tissues of the body and the blood.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the larynx?

    <p>To connect the pharynx to the trachea and prevent food from entering the respiratory tract</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During exhalation, the ________ relaxes, causing the chest cavity to decrease in size.

    <p>diaphragm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the diaphragm during breathing?

    <p>It contracts to create a vacuum that draws air into the lungs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The epiglottis opens the trachea when swallowing.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ________ filters, warms, and moistens the air we breathe.

    <p>nasal cavity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following processes with their descriptions:

    <p>Inhalation = Air moves into the lungs Exhalation = Air moves out of the lungs Oxygen transport = Binding of oxygen to hemoglobin Tidal volume = Volume of air in a normal breath</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following parts of the respiratory system with their functions:

    <p>Sinuses = Lighten the head and warm air Pharynx = Passageway for air and food Intercostal muscles = Move ribs during breathing Diaphragm = Muscle sheet aiding in breathing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the body plays a critical role in increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity during inhalation?

    <p>Diaphragm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do alveoli play in the respiratory system?

    <p>Alveoli are responsible for gas exchange, allowing oxygen to diffuse into the blood and carbon dioxide to exit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ carries air from the larynx to the bronchi.

    <p>trachea</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The primary function of hemoglobin is to transport carbon dioxide in the blood.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is primarily responsible for gas diffusion in the respiratory system?

    <p>Alveoli</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the respiratory system structures with their functions:

    <p>Tonsils = Protect against infection Bronchi = Conduct air to lungs Alveoli = Gas exchange Surfactant = Keep alveoli open</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Internal respiration is the process that occurs in the lungs.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical tidal volume for a normal breath in milliliters?

    <p>500 ml</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The rib cage moves ________ and ________ during inhalation.

    <p>up, out</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does mucus play in the respiratory system?

    <p>It traps germs and debris, helping to clean the air before it reaches the lungs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the structure of the trachea primarily supported by?

    <p>Concentric rings of cartilage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Surfactant is a molecule that coats the alveoli, aiding their function.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs to the intercostal muscles during exhalation?

    <p>They relax.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ________ is the primary muscle involved in inhalation.

    <p>diaphragm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many alveoli are generally found in the human lungs?

    <p>About 300 million</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the intercostal muscles?

    <p>To move ribs during breathing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ connects the nasal cavity to the esophagus and the larynx.

    <p>pharynx</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the respiratory system is responsible for conducting air to smaller passageways in the lungs?

    <p>Bronchioles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the upper respiratory system?

    <p>Filtering, warming, and moistening air</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Internal respiration refers to gas exchange between the lungs and blood.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do the intercostal muscles play in the respiratory system?

    <p>They move the ribs during breathing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ________ separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity and aids in breathing.

    <p>diaphragm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the part of the respiratory system with its function:

    <p>Sinuses = Lighten head and warm/moisten air Nasal cavity = Produces mucus and filters air Pharynx = Passageway for air and food Diaphragm = Muscle aiding in breathing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes external respiration?

    <p>Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and blood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The nasal cavity produces mucus to trap germs and debris.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the epiglottis?

    <p>Covers the larynx during swallowing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body?

    <p>Gas transport</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The sinus cavities help to moisten and warm the air entering the lungs.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ________ are the microscopic chambers where gas exchange occurs.

    <p>alveoli</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structures branch from the trachea and lead to each lung?

    <p>Bronchi</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure helps to prevent food and drink from entering the lower respiratory system?

    <p>Epiglottis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ________ are components of the lower respiratory system that contain alveoli for gas exchange.

    <p>Lungs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following components of the respiratory system with their functions:

    <p>Nasal cavity = Cleans and moistens air Trachea = Air passage to bronchi Alveoli = Gas exchange chambers Bronchioles = Conducts air to alveoli</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the respiratory system is responsible for making vocal sounds?

    <p>Larynx</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Bronchioles are the largest air passageways in the lungs.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of cells in the nasal cavity are responsible for the sense of smell?

    <p>Olfactory receptor cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ________ functions as a passageway for air, liquids, and food.

    <p>Pharynx</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match each function to the appropriate structure:

    <p>Larynx = Produces voice Epiglottis = Prevents food from entering trachea Alveoli = Facilitates gas exchange Nasal cavity = Filters and moistens air</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the pressure inside the lungs during inhalation?

    <p>It decreases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Inhalation is also known as expiration.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the epiglottis?

    <p>To prevent food from entering the trachea</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The larynx is primarily made of muscle tissue.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical tidal volume for a normal breath?

    <p>500 ml</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name the major bronchi that conduct air to each lung.

    <p>Bronchi</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The diaphragm ________ and flattens during inhalation.

    <p>contracts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following breathing processes to their definitions:

    <p>Inhalation = Air moves into the lungs. Exhalation = Air moves out of the lungs. Tidal volume = Volume of air in a normal breath. Oxyhemoglobin = Hemoglobin with bound oxygen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ________ are tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs in the lungs.

    <p>alveoli</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following components of the respiratory system with their functions:

    <p>Larynx = Contains vocal cords and prevents food from entering the trachea Trachea = Connects the larynx to the bronchi Alveoli = Site of gas exchange Bronchioles = Conduct air to the alveoli</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When the intercostal muscles relax, what happens to the rib cage?

    <p>It moves down and inward.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many alveoli are typically found in the human lungs?

    <p>About 300 million</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process of air moving into the lungs is known as expiration.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of hemoglobin in the respiratory system?

    <p>to transport oxygen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Surfactant in the alveoli keeps the air sacs closed.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the smaller passageways that divide from bronchi called?

    <p>Bronchioles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During exhalation, the chest cavity ________ in size.

    <p>decreases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What initiates the decrease in lung pressure during inhalation?

    <p>Contraction of the diaphragm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ________ is a tube held open by rings of cartilage, commonly known as the windpipe.

    <p>trachea</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Epiglottis = Flap that prevents food entry into the airway Tonsils = Lymphatic tissue that protects against infections Bronchi = Main passageways leading to each lung Alveoli = Sacs for gas exchange in the lungs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure is primarily responsible for producing mucus in the upper respiratory system?

    <p>Nasal cavity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The intercostal muscles help to move the ribs during breathing.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the blood?

    <p>External respiration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _______ is a muscle sheet that separates the chest and abdominal cavities.

    <p>diaphragm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following components of the respiratory system with their functions:

    <p>Sinuses = Filter, warm, and moisten air Pharynx = Passageway for air and food Diaphragm = Muscle that aids breathing Lungs = Site of gas exchange</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of gas transport in the respiratory system?

    <p>It moves oxygen and carbon dioxide in the bloodstream to body tissues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The upper respiratory system includes the trachea.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name the two primary gases exchanged during respiration.

    <p>Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the alveoli in the respiratory system?

    <p>Allow exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The larynx functions as a passageway for air and is involved in voice production.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Internal respiration is the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and ________.

    <p>body tissues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the epiglottis?

    <p>Covers the larynx during swallowing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What function do sinuses serve in the respiratory system?

    <p>They filter, warm, and moisten air.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structure prevents food from entering the lower respiratory tract?

    <p>Epiglottis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ connects the larynx with the bronchi.

    <p>trachea</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The larynx is primarily responsible for gas exchange in the lungs.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following respiratory system components to their functions:

    <p>Nasal cavity = Filters and moistens air Pharynx = Passageway for air and food Bronchioles = Conduct air to alveoli Alveoli = Site of gas exchange</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure serves as a passageway for both air and food?

    <p>Pharynx</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles called?

    <p>alveoli</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The trachea branches into bronchi that lead to the lungs.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ________ connects the larynx to the bronchi.

    <p>trachea</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the small passageways that conduct air from the bronchi to the alveoli called?

    <p>Bronchioles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following parts of the respiratory system with their functions:

    <p>Tonsils = Protects against infection Bronchi = Conducts air to lungs Surfactant = Keeps alveoli open Epiglottis = Prevents food entry into the trachea</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements regarding the trachea is true?

    <p>It is held open by concentric rings of cartilage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ contains olfactory receptor cells for the sense of smell.

    <p>nasal cavity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The surface area of the lungs is increased by the presence of millions of alveoli.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure does NOT prevent food and liquids from entering the respiratory system?

    <p>Pharynx</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do surfactant molecules play in the alveoli?

    <p>They keep the alveoli open.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The bronchial tree consists of bronchi, bronchioles, and ________.

    <p>alveoli</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match each component of the respiratory system with its primary function:

    <p>Alveoli = Gas exchange Larynx = Sound production Trachea = Air passage to bronchi Bronchioles = Conduct air to alveoli</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process of air moving into the lungs called?

    <p>Inhalation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Exhalation is also referred to as inspiration.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the pressure in the lungs during inhalation?

    <p>Pressure decreases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a normal breath is called ________.

    <p>tidal volume</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms related to breathing with their definitions:

    <p>Inhalation = Air moving into the lungs Exhalation = Air moving out of the lungs Tidal Volume = Volume of air per normal breath Pressure Changes = Variation of air pressure during breathing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does hemoglobin play in respiratory function?

    <p>Binds with oxygen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During exhalation, the intercostal muscles contract.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical tidal volume in milliliters for a normal breath?

    <p>500 ml</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When oxygen is bound to hemoglobin, it is called ________.

    <p>oxyhemoglobin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the respiratory system primarily decreases the pressure in the lungs during inhalation?

    <p>Both A and B</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Respiratory System Function

    • The respiratory system's primary function is to bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide.
    • This process involves four key steps:
      • Breathing: Moving air in and out of the lungs.
      • External Respiration: Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and blood.
      • Gas Transport: Moving oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and body tissues.
      • Internal Respiration: Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and body tissues.

    Respiratory System Structures

    • Upper Respiratory System:
      • Sinuses: Air-filled cavities in the skull that lighten the head, warm, and moisten air.
      • Nasal Cavity: Produces mucus, filters, warms, and moistens air, also responsible for olfaction (smell).
      • Pharynx: Passageway for air and food, connecting the nasal cavity to the esophagus and larynx.
      • Tonsils: Lymphatic tissue located in the pharynx, protecting against infection.
    • Lower Respiratory System:
      • Epiglottis: Covers the larynx during swallowing, preventing food and drink from entering the lower respiratory system.
      • Larynx: Air passageway, prevents food and drink from entering the lower respiratory system, produces voice.
      • Trachea (Windpipe): Connects the larynx to the bronchi, held open by cartilage rings.
      • Bronchi: Two branches of the trachea that conduct air from the trachea to each lung.
      • Bronchioles: Narrow passageways that conduct air from the bronchi to the alveoli.
      • Alveoli: Microscopic chambers for gas exchange between the atmosphere and blood.
      • Lungs: Contain alveoli and air passageways, allow exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

    Nasal Cavity

    • Functions:
      • Filters the air
      • Warms the air
      • Moistens air entering the lungs
      • Smell (contributes to the sense of taste)

    Pharynx

    • Functions:
      • Passageway for air, liquids, and food.
      • Swallowing begins in the pharynx.
      • Connects the nasal cavity to the esophagus and larynx.

    Larynx

    • Functions:
      • Connects the pharynx to the trachea.
      • Contains vocal cords responsible for generating sound.
      • Prevents food from entering the lower respiratory tract.
      • Composed of cartilage.
      • The epiglottis closes the trachea during swallowing.

    Trachea

    • Windpipe: Held open by concentric rings of cartilage.
    • Function: Connects the larynx to the bronchi.

    Bronchial Tree

    • The trachea leads to the bronchial tree:
      • Bronchi (bronchus)
      • Bronchioles
      • Alveoli (alveolus)

    Alveoli

    • Sacs: Located at the end of the bronchioles, surrounded by blood capillaries.
    • Function:
      • Oxygen diffuses across the membrane and into the capillaries.
      • Carbon dioxide moves from the capillaries into the lungs.
    • Lungs: Have about 300 million alveoli.
    • The structure of the alveoli increases the lung's surface area.
    • Surfactant: Phospholipid molecules that coat the alveoli and keep them open for proper function.

    Inhalation (Inspiration)

    • Process: Diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, increasing thoracic cavity volume.
    • Pressure Change: The pressure in the lungs decreases.
    • Air Flow: Air moves into the lungs.

    Exhalation (Expiration)

    • Process: Diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, decreasing thoracic cavity volume.
    • Pressure Change: The pressure in the lungs increases.
    • Air Flow: Air moves out of the lungs.

    Air Volumes

    • Tidal Volume: The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during a normal breath, typically around 500 ml.
    • Respiratory Movement: The volume of air moved in and out of the lungs is an indicator of health.

    Oxygen Transport

    • Oxygen is transported bound to hemoglobin.
    • Oxyhemoglobin: Hemoglobin carrying oxygen.

    Diffusion of Gases: Alveoli and Capillaries

    • Gas Exchange: Oxygen moves from the alveoli into the blood, and carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the alveoli.
    • Diffusion: The movement of gases across a membrane from an area of high concentration to low concentration.

    Respiratory System Function

    • The respiratory system's key function is to bring oxygen into the body and expel carbon dioxide.
    • This process involves multiple steps: breathing, external respiration, gas transport, and internal respiration.

    Breathing

    • Breathing is the movement of air into and out of the lungs.

    External Respiration

    • External respiration is the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the blood.

    Gas Transport

    • Gas transport involves the movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the body tissues.

    Internal Respiration

    • Internal respiration is the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and the body tissues.

    Respiratory System Structure

    • The respiratory system is divided into the upper respiratory system and the lower respiratory system.

    Upper Respiratory System

    • The upper respiratory system includes the nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx.
    • The nasal cavity filters, warms, and moistens air, produces mucus, and contains olfactory receptor cells for the sense of smell.
    • Sinuses are air-filled cavities in the skull that lighten the head, warm, and moisten air.
    • The pharynx is a passageway for air and food, and it also contains tonsils, lymphatic tissue that protects against infection.
    • The larynx connects the pharynx to the trachea and contains vocal cords, used to generate sound. It also prevents food from entering the lower respiratory tract.

    Lower Respiratory System

    • The lower respiratory system includes the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.
    • The trachea, or windpipe, connects the larynx to the bronchi. It is kept open by rings of cartilage.
    • The bronchi are the two branches of the trachea that conduct air from the trachea to each lung.
    • Bronchioles are narrow passageways that conduct air from the bronchi to the alveoli.
    • Alveoli are microscopic chambers at the end of the bronchioles, surrounded by blood capillaries.

    Alveoli Function

    • Alveoli are the sites where oxygen diffuses into the capillaries, and carbon dioxide moves from the capillaries into the lungs.
    • Each lung has approximately 300 million alveoli, which increase the surface area of the lung for gas exchange.
    • Alveoli are coated with surfactant, a phospholipid molecule that keeps them open and functional.

    Inhalation

    • Inhalation is also known as inspiration.
    • During inhalation, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity. This causes pressure in the lungs to decrease, drawing air into the lungs.

    Exhalation

    • Exhalation is also known as expiration.
    • When the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, the volume of the thoracic cavity decreases, increasing pressure in the lungs and pushing air out.

    Air Volumes

    • The volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a normal breath is called the tidal volume, typically around 500 ml.

    Oxygen Transport

    • Oxygen is transported bound to hemoglobin in the blood.
    • Oxygen bound to hemoglobin is called oxyhemoglobin.

    Diffusion of Gases

    • The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the alveoli and capillaries occurs by diffusion.
    • Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the capillaries, while carbon dioxide diffuses from the capillaries into the alveoli.

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    Explore the essential functions and structures of the respiratory system through this quiz. Learn about how the body exchanges gases and the role of different parts such as the nasal cavity and lungs. Test your knowledge on the four key steps involved in respiration and the anatomy of the respiratory tract.

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