Respiratory System Quiz

The process of moving air into and out of the lungs.

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

The movement of oxygen from the lungs to the body cells and carbon dioxide from the cells to the lungs.

The process of oxygen utilization by the cells and the production of carbon dioxide.

The upper respiratory tract, encompassing the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx.

The lower respiratory tract, comprising the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.

A specialized type of epithelial tissue that lines the respiratory tract.

The respiratory division responsible for moving air to the sites of gas exchange. Does not involve gas exchange itself.

The respiratory division where gas exchange takes place.

The smallest airways that have alveoli attached, allowing for some gas exchange.

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen enters the blood, carbon dioxide exits.

Opens to the outside of the body, allowing air to enter the respiratory system.

The passageway behind the nose, where air is warmed, moistened, and filtered.

Passageway for both air and food, composed of the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

The voice box, responsible for producing sound and allowing air to pass to the trachea.

The tube that carries air from the larynx to the lungs.

The primary muscle involved in inspiration. When it contracts, it flattens and moves downward, expanding the chest cavity and drawing air into the lungs.

These muscles are responsible for increasing the volume of the chest cavity, facilitating inspiration. They work by elevating the ribs.

These muscles assist with forced inhalation by elevating the ribs and expanding the upper part of the chest cavity.

These muscles compress the abdominal cavity during forced exhalation, pushing the diaphragm upwards and helping to expel air from the lungs.

These muscles help to depress the ribs, facilitating forced expiration by decreasing the volume of the chest cavity.

Fibrous tissue provides structural support, while cartilage maintains the shape of the nasal passages.

The trachealis muscle, made of smooth muscle, connects the ends of the C-shaped cartilage rings. It helps control the width of the trachea.

Smooth muscle in the walls of bronchi controls airflow by constricting or dilating the airways.

Alveoli expand and contract during breathing thanks to the elastic connective tissue in their walls.

The medulla oblongata, specifically the ventral respiratory group (VRG) and dorsal respiratory group (DRG), control the rhythm and rate of breathing.

Peripheral chemoreceptors located in the carotid bodies and aortic bodies detect changes in blood oxygen levels.

The hypothalamus influences breathing rate in response to emotions like stress, fear, or anxiety. It can cause rapid or shallow breathing.

The diaphragm, the main respiratory muscle, contracts and flattens to increase the volume of the chest cavity, allowing air to be drawn into the lungs.

Central chemoreceptors in the medulla oblongata detect changes in carbon dioxide levels and pH in cerebrospinal fluid.

Accessory respiratory muscles assist in forceful breathing, such as during exercise or when the diaphragm is unable to function properly.

A type of cell found in the alveoli that produces surfactant, a substance that reduces surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse.

Thin, flattened cells that form the walls of capillaries, providing a surface for gas exchange between blood and the alveoli.

Small pores in the capillary endothelium, allowing for the passage of gases and small molecules between the blood and alveolar space.

The fused basement membranes of the alveolar epithelium and capillary endothelium, promoting efficient gas exchange by reducing the diffusion distance.

A thin membrane, approximately 0.5 micrometers thick, that allows for rapid diffusion of gases between the alveoli and blood.

Millions of alveoli provide a large surface area, which enhances gas exchange.

The difference in concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the alveoli and blood, driving the movement of gases from areas of high concentration to low.

A substance produced by Type II alveolar cells that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse during exhalation.

A serous membrane surrounding the lungs, consisting of two layers: parietal and visceral pleura.

The layer of the pleura that lines the inner surface of the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. It provides a protective covering for the thoracic cavity and helps in maintaining a frictionless surface for lung movement.

The layer of the pleura that covers the outer surface of the lungs. It serves to reduce friction as the lungs expand and contract during breathing, while also providing a barrier to infections.

The space between the parietal and visceral pleura, containing a thin layer of serous fluid that acts a lubricant, reducing friction during breathing and maintaining a pressure gradient for lung expansion.