Respiratory System Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What happens to the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen when oxygen tension is high?

Hemoglobin takes up oxygen easily. (correct)

Hemoglobin becomes inactive.

Hemoglobin releases more oxygen.

Hemoglobin exhibits a lower affinity for oxygen.

What is the significance of the steep region of the S-shaped curve?

It represents a constant level of oxygen binding.

It shows no change in oxygen delivery.

It indicates low efficiency in oxygen delivery.

A small drop in oxygen tension results in a sharp fall in % O2 saturation. (correct)

According to the Bohr Effect, which factor does NOT inversely affect hemoglobin's oxygen binding affinity?

Oxygen concentration (correct)

Concentration of CO2

Temperature

When oxygen tension is low, what is the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen?

Hemoglobin exhibits a low affinity for oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does inhaling carbon monoxide (CO) have on hemoglobin's oxygen binding?

It decreases oxygen uptake significantly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the pleural cavity?

To reduce friction during lung inflation and deflation Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of respiratory surfaces enables maximum rate of diffusion?

Permeable membrane Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes alveoli?

Air sacs surrounded by capillaries Signup and view all the answers

How many cell layers thick is the respiratory surface in humans?

One cell thick Signup and view all the answers

Which structure connects the lungs with the pulmonary vessels?

Hilum Signup and view all the answers

What role do bronchi play in the respiratory system?

Transportation of air to and from the lungs Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the water film in the alveoli?

To facilitate gas exchange through diffusion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of the respiratory surface?

Thick lining Signup and view all the answers

Air flows along the pressure gradient from the atmosphere to the lungs and from the lungs to the atmosphere. What term describes this process?

Ventilation Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily influences airway resistance by changing the diameter of bronchioles?

Bronchodilation Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of bronchoconstriction on air flow?

It decreases air flow. Signup and view all the answers

In conditions like emphysema, what happens to the elastic tissue of the lungs?

It becomes damaged, reducing elastic recoil. Signup and view all the answers

Which substance produced by the epithelium is crucial for maintaining the patency of alveoli?

Surfactant Signup and view all the answers

What triggers bronchodilation?

Epinephrine stimulation Signup and view all the answers

What condition could arise from an anaphylactic shock affecting airway resistance?

Bronchoconstriction Signup and view all the answers

What role does connective tissue play in respiratory function?

It affects the lungs' ability to expand. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason infants with respiratory distress syndrome struggle to inflate their alveoli?

They lack surfactant. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain regulates the respiratory center?

Brainstem Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of carbon dioxide is carried dissolved in plasma?

5% Signup and view all the answers

How is the majority of carbon dioxide transported in the blood?

As carbonic acid Signup and view all the answers

What forms when carbon dioxide binds to the amino groups of proteins and hemoglobin?

Carbaminohemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

What role does carbonic anhydrase play in the transport of carbon dioxide?

It catalyzes the conversion of carbon dioxide and water to bicarbonate. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the binding of carbon dioxide and oxygen to hemoglobin is correct?

Oxygen and carbon dioxide do not compete for the same binding sites. Signup and view all the answers

What is the reversible reaction involving carbon dioxide and water that forms bicarbonate?

CO2 + H2O ↔ H2CO3 Signup and view all the answers

How many polypeptide chains does haemoglobin contain?

4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the iron atom in haemoglobin?

To bind oxygen Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario would you expect haemoglobin to have a low affinity for oxygen?

At the tissues where oxygen is needed Signup and view all the answers

What determines the strength of haemoglobin's affinity for oxygen?

Partial pressure of oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What shape is the oxygen dissociation curve when % O2 saturation is plotted against oxygen tension?

S-shaped Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'partial pressure' refer to?

The pressure exerted by one gas in a mixture Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for haemoglobin to have a high affinity for oxygen in certain areas?

To maximize uptake from the air Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence if haemoglobin has too high an affinity for oxygen?

Reduced oxygen uptake from the lungs Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the serous membranes in the intrapleural cavity?

To secrete fluid to reduce friction Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the intrapleural cavity during lung inflation?

The two membranes are in contact at many places Signup and view all the answers

What causes the pressure exerted by a particular gas in a mixture?

The movement of gas molecules against a surface Signup and view all the answers

What remains relatively unchanged in alveolar air?

The composition of alveolar air Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the pulmonary artery in the cardiovascular system?

To deliver deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during gas exchange at the alveolar surface?

Gases move according to their concentration gradients Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the intrapleural cavity to be a sealed potential space?

To ensure the lungs can expand without obstruction Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'partial pressure' refer to in a gas mixture?

Pressure contributed by a single gas in a mixture Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Anatomy and Physiology - Respiratory System

Oxygen and carbon dioxide must be exchanged for cells to remain healthy
Lungs provide a respiratory exchange surface for diffusion between air and blood
Cardiovascular system links interstitial fluid and lung exchange surfaces
Circulating blood carries oxygen to tissues and carbon dioxide to the lungs
Diffusion across capillary walls in alveoli (1µm distance) efficiently facilitates gas exchange
Lung exchange surfaces are ~80 times the body's total surface area, large due to metabolic demands

Respiratory System Function

Bulk flow of air/water: from high to low pressure
Simple diffusion: from high to low concentration

Conducting Zone Structures

Oral cavity
Nasal cavity
Pharynx
Trachea
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Alveoli

Trachea and Bronchi Structure

C-shaped cartilage supports the trachea
Bronchi branch into smaller bronchioles
Alveoli are tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs

Pleura and Pleural Cavity

Serous membranes encasing the lungs (visceral and parietal pleura)
Pleural cavity contains fluid to reduce friction during breathing

Gas Exchange at Alveoli

Gases diffuse across thin alveolar surfaces
Oxygen dissolves in water film in alveoli
Oxygen diffuses into blood, CO2 diffuses out (high to low concentration gradients)
Permeable, thin (1 cell thick), moist surfaces allow efficient gas exchange

Ventilation Mechanism

Inspiration (breathing in) involves muscle contractions increasing lung volume, decreasing pressure, and pulling air into the lungs
Expiration (breathing out) is primarily a passive process, using elastic recoil of the thorax to decrease lung volume, and increase pressure forcing air out.

Factors Affecting Airway Resistance

Bronchodilation and bronchoconstriction affect airflow
Influences of various stimuli (i.e., epinephrine, cold air etc.)

Connective Tissue & Surface Tension

Emphysema (damage to elastic tissue) hinders exhalation
Surfactant (oily secretion) in alveoli prevents collapse during exhalation

Neural Control of Breathing

Respiratory centre in brainstem controls breathing rate
Chemoreceptors monitor pH and CO2 levels, adjusting breathing as needed

Transport of Carbon Dioxide

Dissolved gas (5%), combined with proteins (20%), and carbonic acid (75%)
Carbon dioxide binds to hemoglobin but not where oxygen binds

Transport of Oxygen

Hemoglobin carries oxygen, with affinity varying with partial pressures and temperature

Bohr Effect

Hemoglobin's oxygen affinity decreases with increased CO2, temperature, and lower pH
Shifting of oxygen dissociation curve to the right (Bohr effect) allows for more oxygen release into tissues

Myoglobin

Muscle protein with a high oxygen affinity, storing oxygen
Facilitates oxygen delivery to active muscle tissue

Fetal Hemoglobin

Fetal hemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen than adult hemoglobin, enabling efficient oxygen transfer from mother to fetus.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on the human respiratory system with this quiz. Explore topics like hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, the Bohr Effect, and the structure and function of respiratory surfaces. Perfect for biology students looking to reinforce their understanding.