Respiratory System Zones Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Describe the respiratory zone of the respiratory system.

The respiratory zone includes the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar duct, and alveoli and is the site of oxygen and CO2 exchange with the blood.

Describe the conducting zone of the respiratory system.

The conducting zone includes structures outside of the lungs - the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and structures inside the lungs - the bronchi, bronchioles, and terminal bronchioles. It conducts air that is filtered, warmed, and moistened into the lungs.

Trace the route of exhaled air from an alveolus to the external nares. Name all the structures it passes through while indicating which structures are in the respiratory and conducting zones.

Nostrils-nasal cavity-pharynx-trachea-bronchi-bronchioles-alveoli. Respiratory zone: alveoli and bronchioles. Conducting zone: includes all except alveoli and bronchioles.

In both lungs, which surface is the largest?

Costal Signup and view all the answers

State the major functions of the respiratory system and describe the four steps that must occur.

Major functions: gas exchange, sound production, protection, olfactory assistance. Steps: pulmonary ventilation, external ventilation, transport of oxygen and CO2, internal respiration. Signup and view all the answers

Define cellular respiration.

Cellular respiration is the process through which cells convert sugars into energy, creating ATP and other forms of energy to power cellular reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the alveolar macrophages in the lung alveoli?

Alveolar macrophages are mononuclear phagocytes found in the alveoli of the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

Define the parietal pleura and the visceral pleura.

The visceral pleura is the delicate membrane that covers the surface of each lung, and dips into the fissures between the lobes. The parietal pleura is the outer membrane attached to the inner surface of the thoracic cavity. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the mechanisms of ventilation including the sequence of events during inspiration and expiration.

Inspiration (inhale): air enters lungs. Expiration (exhale): air leaves lungs. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the respiratory center of the brain influences breathing.

In response to a decrease in blood pH, the respiratory center in the medulla sends nervous impulses to the external intercostal muscles and diaphragm, increasing the breathing rate and lung volume during inhalation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Respiratory Zones

Respiratory Zone: Comprises respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli; the primary site for gas exchange (O2 and CO2) with blood.
Conducting Zone: Encompasses structures outside and inside the lungs: includes the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and terminal bronchioles; functions to filter, warm, and moisten incoming air before it reaches the lungs.

Exhalation Pathway

Route of Exhaled Air: Air travels from the alveolus through the nostrils, nasal cavity, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles before exiting via the external nares.
Respiratory vs. Conducting Zone: Alveoli and bronchioles fall under the respiratory zone; all other mentioned structures are part of the conducting zone.

Lung Surface Areas

The largest surface area in both lungs corresponds to the costal surface.

Major Functions of the Respiratory System

Key functions: gas exchange, sound production, protection, and olfactory assistance.
Four steps involved:
- Pulmonary Ventilation: Movement of air into and out of the lungs.
- External Respiration: Gas exchange between air in the alveoli and blood.
- Transport of Gases: Circulation of O2 and CO2 via the bloodstream.
- Internal Respiration: Gas exchange between blood and body tissues.

Cellular Respiration

Defined as the process where cells convert sugars into energy (ATP); relies on fuel and an electron acceptor for energy production.

Alveolar Macrophages

Function as mononuclear phagocytes located in lung alveoli; play a critical role in immune defense by engulfing pathogens and debris.

Pleural Membranes

Visceral Pleura: Thin membrane covering each lung, extending into fissures between lobes.
Parietal Pleura: Outer membrane attached to the interior thoracic cavity.

Mechanisms of Ventilation

Inspiration (Inhalation): Involves air entering the lungs.
Expiration (Exhalation): Involves air leaving the lungs.

Respiratory Center Influence

Located in the medulla; responds to decreased blood pH by sending nerve impulses to external intercostal muscles and diaphragm, leading to increased breathing rate and lung volume during inhalation.

Description

This quiz explores the two main zones of the respiratory system: the respiratory zone and the conducting zone. Participants will learn about the structures involved and their functions, including gas exchange and air conduction. Perfect for students studying human anatomy and physiology.