Respiratory System Functions Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

To bring oxygen into the body and take carbon dioxide out of the body.

What are the secondary functions of the respiratory system?

Production of vocal sounds, regulating body temperature, regulating pH of the body, and aiding in the olfactory sense.

What is the difference between breathing and respiration?

Breathing is the mechanical action of bringing air in and out of lungs; respiration is the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide by diffusion across cells.

By what mechanisms is inhaled air warmed, humidified, and filtered as it passes through the nasal passages?

Nasal turbinates increase surface area, blood vessels warm air, mucus humidifies, and cilia trap particles. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the respiratory and digestive passageways 'switch places' in the pharynx.

The pharynx divides into a dorsal nasal passage (respiratory) and a ventral digestive passage (oropharynx); the esophagus becomes dorsal to the larynx. Signup and view all the answers

How do the pharynx and larynx work together to keep swallowed material from entering the trachea?

Breathing stops momentarily, the larynx muscles pull it cranially, and the epiglottis covers the opening to the larynx. Signup and view all the answers

How is the larynx involved in the straining process that aids functions such as defecation?

Closure of the glottis allows abdominal muscle pressure to build, preventing air from being exhaled. Signup and view all the answers

Why are the hyaline cartilage rings important to the function of the trachea?

They prevent partial collapse of the trachea during inhalation. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the basic structure of the bronchial tree in the lung.

An upside down tree starting with one trunk (trachea) and bifurcating into two large branches. Signup and view all the answers

How do the physical characteristics of the alveoli and the capillaries facilitate gas exchange?

Both have extremely thin walls, allowing easy diffusion of gases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the hilus of the lung and why is it important?

A medial area where air, blood, lymph, and nerves enter and leave the lung, fastening it to the thorax. Signup and view all the answers

What is the mediastinum and what organs are located there?

The mediastinum is the area between the lungs containing the heart, trachea, esophagus, blood vessels, and nerves. Signup and view all the answers

Which main pulmonary blood vessel contains bright red, high-oxygen blood?

Pulmonary vein Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can be drawn if a piece of lung from a dead newborn animal sinks in water?

The newborn animal never took a breath. Signup and view all the answers

Why are the smooth pleural surfaces important to the process of breathing?

They allow the lungs to slide easily along the pleura during expansion. Signup and view all the answers

Why is negative intrathoracic pressure important to breathing?

It creates a partial vacuum that aids air intake; loss of it can cause lung collapse. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main muscles of inspiration?

Diaphragm and external intercostal muscles. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main muscles of expiration?

Internal intercostal muscles and abdominal muscles. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how oxygen moves from the air in the alveoli into the blood.

Oxygen diffuses from high to low concentration, moving from alveoli to blood. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the mechanical respiratory control system maintains a normal breathing pattern.

Stretch receptors send impulses to the brain's respiratory center to regulate inhalation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic difference between the mechanical and chemical respiratory control systems?

The mechanical system sets the baseline while the chemical system adjusts it based on blood parameters. Signup and view all the answers

When does the chemical respiratory control system override the mechanical control system?

When adjustments are needed to maintain blood pH and gas balance. Signup and view all the answers

Why do animals cough, sneeze, yawn, sigh, and hiccup?

They are reflexive actions caused by irritation or to adjust breathing patterns. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Primary Functions of the Respiratory System

Main role is to intake oxygen and expel carbon dioxide, a waste product of energy metabolism.

Secondary Functions of the Respiratory System

Involves production of vocal sounds, regulation of body temperature and pH levels, and support of the olfactory (smell) sense.

Breathing vs. Respiration

Breathing involves mechanical air movement in and out of the lungs.
Respiration refers to the diffusion of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) at the cellular level.

Air Processing in the Nasal Passages

Nasal turbinates enhance the surface area for optimal air warming, humidifying, and filtering.
Mucus and blood vessels in the nasal passages contribute to air conditioning and trap particles to prevent lung inhalation.

Structure of Pharynx and Its Function

Pharynx serves as a shared passage for air and food, with the palate segregating it into respiratory (dorsal) and digestive (ventral) pathways.

Role of the Pharynx and Larynx

Laryngeal muscles and epiglottis prevent food and liquids from entering the trachea during swallowing.

Larynx and Straining Functions

Close glottis during straining (e.g., defecation) increases abdominal pressure, aiding the process.

Importance of Cartilage in the Trachea

Hyaline cartilage rings maintain airway patency and prevent collapse during inhalation.

Bronchial Tree Structure

Begins with trachea as a trunk, bifurcating into two main branches leading to each lung.

Gas Exchange at Alveoli

Alveolar walls and surrounding capillary walls are thin, facilitating gas diffusion.

Hilus of the Lung

Located on the medial aspect, it's the entry and exit point for air, blood, lymph, and nerves, anchoring the lung to the thorax.

Mediastinum Characteristics

The mediastinum is the thoracic region between the lungs housing important structures like the heart, trachea, and blood vessels.

Pulmonary Blood Vessels

Pulmonary veins carry bright red, oxygen-rich blood towards the heart, while pulmonary arteries transport dark red, oxygen-poor blood away.

Lung Density in Newborns

If a lung from a deceased newborn sinks in water, it indicates the animal never breathed; lungs would float if air-filled.

Significance of Pleural Surfaces

Smooth, lubricated pleural surfaces prevent friction during lung expansion and contraction, facilitating easier breathing.

Negative Intrathoracic Pressure

Critical for breathing; loss of this pressure (e.g., pneumothorax) causes lung collapse and breathing difficulty.

Muscles of Inspiration

Diaphragm and external intercostal muscles expand the thoracic cavity to draw air into the lungs.

Muscles of Expiration

Internal intercostal and abdominal muscles reduce thoracic space to force air out of the lungs.

Gas Movement in Alveoli

Oxygen diffuses from a higher concentration in the alveoli (21%) to lower concentration in the blood (~3%). Conversely, carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood to the alveoli.

Mechanical Respiratory Control System

Based on stretch receptors in lungs, it regulates breathing rhythm by signaling the brain to initiate or cease inhalation.

Mechanical vs. Chemical Respiratory Control

Mechanical system sets baseline breathing patterns while the chemical system adjusts for gas concentrations and pH levels in blood.

Chemical Control System Activation

Adjusts breathing patterns to maintain homeostasis, reacting to blood gas levels, aiding in efficient oxygen and carbon dioxide management.

Reflex Actions in Breathing

Coughs, sneezes, yawns, sighs, and hiccups are involuntary reflexes impacting breathing: coughs and sneezes clear airway irritations; sighs deepen inhalations; hiccups are diaphragm spasms.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the primary and secondary functions of the respiratory system. This quiz covers topics such as breathing, respiration, and the anatomy of air processing. Understand how the respiratory system supports various bodily functions, including vocalization and olfaction.