Anatomy and Structure
This cartilaginous tube connects the pharynx to the bronchi
Trachea
During inhalation, this primary dome-shaped muscle contracts.
Diaphragm
The simple physical process by which oxygen and carbon dioxide move across cell membranes from high concentration to low concentration
Diffusion
A chronic condition where environmental triggers (like pollen or exercise) cause the airways to narrow, swell, and clog with mucus, leading to wheezing and shortness of breath
Asthma
When carbon dioxide builds up in the bloodstream, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid, causing blood pH to
Becoming More Acidic
A flap of elastic cartilage that automatically covers the opening of the larynx during swallowing
epiglottis
These muscles, located between the ribs, contract during a deep inhalation to pull the rib cage upward and outward
Intercostal Muscles
The protein molecule found in red blood cells that hitches a ride with oxygen to carry it throughout the body
Hemoglobin
A disease often linked to smoking or radon gas exposure where uncontrolled, abnormal cell growth forms tumors that destroy healthy lung tissue.
Lung Cancer
Homeostasis works hard to keep your blood tightly balanced at this specific pH number
7.4
Smallest parts of the lung pathway before the alveoli
Bronchioles
According to gas laws, an increase in the volume of the thoracic cavity causes the air pressure inside the lungs to change in this way
Pressure Decreases
The majority (roughly 70%) of carbon dioxide waste is converted and transported through blood plasma in this specific chemical form.
What are bicarbonate ions (HCO3-)
A common lung infection where the alveoli inflame and fill up with fluid or pus, making it very difficult for oxygen to diffuse into the blood
Pneumonia
If a person begins hyperventilating, they rapidly breath out more CO2, causing their blood pH begins to shift in which direction
Site of external Respiration
Alveoli
Where are the partial pressures of oxygen and CO2 highest?
Oxygen - Atmosphere
Carbon Dioxide - Tissues
This type of respiration occurs specifically when gases are exchanged between the blood in your capillaries and the cells of your body tissues
Internal Respiration
A progressive lung disease often caused by smoking where the walls of the alveoli break down and lose elasticity, drastically reducing the surface area for breathing.
Emphysema
Rather than a lack of oxygen, the brain's respiratory centre primarily monitors the concentration of this specific gas in the blood
CO2
what is the role of the nasal cavity
warm / humidify air & Filter out foreign invaders
Intercostal muscles contract pulling ribs out
Diaphragm contracts pulling downwards
Causes for a decrease in pressure in the lungs and pulls air in
The alveoli are lined with a thin film of moisture containing this specialized fluid, which prevents the tiny air sacs from collapsing and sticking together when you exhale.
Surfactant
A toxic, completely odorless and colorless gas found in car exhaust and faulty furnaces that sneaks onto red blood cells, blocking oxygen from binding.
Carbon Monoxide
When you climb a high mountain where air pressure is low, your body detects less oxygen and will eventually make more of these to adapt
Red Blood Cells