Respiratory System Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of these is not a function of bronchi and bronchioles?

Warm and humidify air

Filter air passing through

Gaseous exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide with blood

Transporting nutrients throughout the body (correct)

Alveoli have a thick layer of epithelium to facilitate gas exchange.

False

What structure encloses the lungs and contains pleural fluid?

Pleural membranes

The __________ terminates into 300 million alveoli.

bronchioles Signup and view all the answers

Match the following lung components with their descriptions:

Bronchi = Main air passages that branch into each lung Alveoli = Sites of gas exchange Capillaries = Surround alveoli and transport blood Pleural membranes = Enclose and protect the lungs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the upper respiratory tract?

Moisten and filter incoming air Signup and view all the answers

The larynx is also known as the voice box and plays a role in routing food and air.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of cilia in the nasal cavity?

Cilia help move mucus and trapped particles to the back of the nasal cavity and pharynx. Signup and view all the answers

The _____ connects the mouth and nasal cavity to the larynx.

pharynx Signup and view all the answers

Match the parts of the respiratory system with their functions:

Trachea = Transport air to the bronchi Alveoli = Facilitate gaseous exchange Larynx = Produce sound Bronchi = Clean, humidify, and warm air Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the alveoli?

To facilitate gaseous exchange Signup and view all the answers

The trachea is part of the upper respiratory tract.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of blood is delivered from the heart to the lungs?

deoxygenated blood Signup and view all the answers

The movement of air in and out of the lungs is known as __________.

breathing Signup and view all the answers

Match the respiratory structures with their functions:

Nasal cavity = Filters and conditions air Larynx = Voice production Bronchi = Carries air to the lungs Alveoli = Gaseous exchange Signup and view all the answers

Where does external respiration occur?

Between air and blood in the lungs Signup and view all the answers

Bronchioles carry air to the alveoli.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the epiglottis during breathing?

To protect the airway Signup and view all the answers

During internal respiration, gas exchange occurs between blood and __________.

tissue fluids Signup and view all the answers

What structure serves as a common passage for both food and air?

Pharynx Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Respiratory System Overview

The respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange between the atmosphere and blood.
This exchange is vital for aerobic metabolism.
Cells require oxygen to produce energy.
Cells generate carbon dioxide as a waste product.

Components of the Respiratory System

Upper Respiratory Tract:
- Nose and nasal cavity: Warms, moistens, and filters air; also involved in olfaction (smell).
- Sinuses: Cavities in the skull, lighten the head, and help warm and moisten air.
- Pharynx: Passageway for both air and food; a common pathway for both systems.
- Larynx: Voice box; epiglottis covers the larynx during swallowing, preventing food from entering the trachea.
Lower Respiratory Tract:
- Trachea (windpipe): Lined by ciliated epithelium and C-shaped cartilage rings. Transports air to and from the bronchi.
- Bronchi: Two branches of the trachea that conduct air to each lung.
- Bronchioles: Narrow passageways that branch from the bronchi.
- Lungs: Contain alveoli and air passageways; facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- Alveoli: Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, surrounded by capillaries.

Events of Respiration

Breathing/Ventilation: Movement of air into and out of the lungs.
External Respiration: Gas exchange between the air and the blood.
Internal Respiration: Gas exchange between the blood and tissue fluids.
Cellular Respiration: Use of oxygen to produce energy in cells (ATP).

Gas Exchange in Alveoli

Alveoli are the primary site for gas exchange in the lungs.
Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs.
They are surrounded by a network of capillaries.
Oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses into the capillaries.
Carbon dioxide from the blood diffuses into the alveoli to be exhaled.

Breathing Mechanisms (Inhalation and Exhalation)

Inhalation (Inspiration):
- The diaphragm contracts and flattens.
- The intercostal muscles contract, pulling the ribs upward and outward.
- This increases the volume of the thoracic cavity, decreasing pressure inside the lungs.
- Air rushes into the lungs from the outside.
Exhalation (Expiration):
- The diaphragm relaxes and returns to its dome shape.
- The intercostal muscles relax, allowing the ribs to move downward and inward.
- This decreases the volume of the thoracic cavity, increasing pressure inside the lungs.
- Air flows out of the lungs into the environment.

Additional Information

The process of breathing is an active process during inhalation and a passive process during exhalation.
Correct functioning of the respiratory and circulatory systems is essential for survival.
Cold temperatures can interfere with cilia function leading to nasal congestion.

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Description

This quiz provides an overview of the respiratory system, including its structure and function. It covers the components of both the upper and lower respiratory tracts and their roles in gas exchange, which is essential for respiration and energy production in cells.