Respiratory System Quiz

Respiratory System

• Common Terms:
  • Pulmo- lungs
  • Hyper- above, excessive
  • Dys- difficult, painful
  • Alveol/o- Alveolus
  • Bronch/o - Bronchus
  • Diaphragm/o- Diaphragm
  • Hem/o - Blood
  • Lobe/o - Lobe
  • Ox/i- Oxygen
  • Nas/o - Nose
  • Capn/o - Carbon dioxide
  • Orth/o- Straight

Respiration Definition

• Respiration is a metabolic process where cells obtain energy (ATP) by using oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide from the oxidation of organic substances.

Stages of Respiration

• Stage 1: Glycolysis

  • Eight enzymes break glucose into two 3-carbon molecules.
  • Releases energy to create temporary energy stores (ATP and NADH) for later ATP building.

• Stage 2: The Krebs Cycle

  • Considered the most crucial stage of respiration.
  • Drives the formation of crucial electron carriers (important for later ATP production).
  • Important for carrying energy for ATP creation.

• Stage 3: Oxidative Phosphorylation

  • Electrons from NADH and FADH2 move through the electron transport chain (in mitochondria).
  • Generates a proton gradient used to produce ATP.

Pulmonary Ventilation

• Inhalation:

  • Diaphragm contracts and moves down
  • Intercostal muscles move rib cage up
  • Air pressure decreases to allow more air in the lungs.

• Exhalation:

  • Diaphragm rises and expands
  • Intercostal muscles move rib cage down
  • Air pressure increases so air is forced out of the lungs.

Gas Exchange

• Lungs: Oxygen enters the blood, and carbon dioxide is removed.

• Tissues: Oxygen is delivered to cells and carbon dioxide is picked up for transport back to the lungs. Hemoglobin plays a crucial role in carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Cellular Diffusion

• Oxygen moves from blood (high concentration) to cells (low concentration).
• Carbon dioxide moves from cells (high concentration) to blood (low concentration).
• This happens across capillary walls by simple diffusion.

Blood Gases

• PO2: Normal range is 75-100 mmHg (indicates healthy oxygen levels).
• PCO2: Normal range is 35-45 mmHg (indicates healthy carbon dioxide levels).
• Abnormal levels indicate potential breathing or metabolic problems.

Regulation of pH

• The body maintains blood pH between 7.35 and 7.45 using the bicarbonate buffer system.
• Breathing and kidneys help adjust bicarbonate levels to balance pH when CO2 levels rise or fall.

Chemoreceptors

• Central: Located in the medulla of the brain, detect changes in CO2 levels (by monitoring cerebrospinal fluid pH).
• Peripheral: Located in the carotid and aortic bodies, detect oxygen levels in the blood and signal the brain to adjust breathing if needed.

Hyperventilation/Hypoventilation

• Hyperventilation: Rapid and deep breathing, leading to excessive CO2 expulsion (respiratory alkalosis).
• Hypoventilation: Slow and shallow breathing, leading to insufficient CO2 removal (respiratory acidosis).

Breathing Patterns

• Normal: Quiet, regular breathing (12-20 breaths/minute in adults).

Altered Breathing

• Tachypnea: Rapid breathing
• Bradypnea: Slow breathing
• Dyspnea: Shortness of breath
• Hyperventilation: Deep, rapid breathing
• Hypoventilation: Shallow, slow breathing

Respiratory System Wellness

• Oxygen supply and CO2 removal are crucial for energy production and maintaining body pH balance.
• Respiratory system health is vital for optimal overall organ function and vitality.

Aging and the Respiratory System

• Lung elasticity decreases with age.
• Breathing muscles weaken.
• Reduced number of alveoli, affecting gas exchange efficiency.

Lifestyle Choices

• Smoking and pollution damage the lungs, increasing respiratory disease risks.
• Exercise strengthens respiratory system, improving lung function and oxygen exchange.

Nutrition and Respiration

• A healthy diet with fruits and vegetables provides antioxidants to protect the lungs.

Diagnosing and Treating Conditions

• Various conditions (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, and tuberculosis) are diagnosed and treated using methods like medical history, physical exams, imaging tests, and specific treatments (medications, lifestyle changes, etc.).

Respiratory System Impact on Other Systems

• Respiratory pathologies can affect the cardiovascular system by straining the heart, decreasing oxygen supply and leading to fatigue, and other complications.

Community Resources

• Support groups and healthcare services (including respiratory therapy) help manage and improve quality of life for individuals with respiratory conditions.

Test your knowledge on the key terms and stages of the respiratory system. This quiz covers definitions like respiration, glycolysis, and the Krebs Cycle, along with essential terminology related to the lungs and gas exchange. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand the mechanics of breathing and energy production!