Ch. 7.10 Key TermsCh. 7.10 Key Terms
1. alveoli
Tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the blood occurs.
epiglottis
A flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue that folds backward to cover the entrance of the larynx when swallowing, preventing food/liquid from entering the windpipe and lungs.
larynx
Also known as the voice box; the upper end of the trachea that contains the vocal cords and is responsible for voice production.
16. pharynx
The hollow, muscular tube in the neck (throat) that starts behind the nose and acts as a common passageway for air (to the larynx/lungs) and food/liquid (to the esophagus).
trachea
Also known as the windpipe; the tube that extends from the larynx down to the chest, where it divides into the two bronchi.
2. bronchi
The two large air passages that branch from the trachea (windpipe) and lead into the lungs (one to each lung).
expiration
The process of breathing out, where gases (specifically carbon dioxide) leave the lungs as the respiratory muscles relax.
12. lungs
The pair of cone-shaped organs located in the thoracic cavity whose primary function is to facilitate gas exchange (taking in oxygen and getting rid of carbon dioxide).
pleura
A thin, double-layered membrane that covers the lungs and lines the interior wall of the chest cavity; it secretes fluid to lubricate the surfaces and reduce friction during breathing.
ventilation
The process of moving air in and out of the lungs (synonymous with breathing, encompassing inspiration and expiration).
3. bronchioles
The tiny branches of air tubes that extend from the bronchi, ending in the alveoli.
8. external respiration
The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide that occurs between the air in the alveoli (lungs) and the blood in the pulmonary capillaries.
13. nasal cavities
The two spaces inside the nose, separated by the nasal septum, through which air moves during breathing; they warm, condition, and filter the air.
The general act of breathing (inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide) and the exchange of gases necessary for life.
respiration
4. cellular respiration
The process within cells where biological fuels (like glucose) are oxidized using an electron acceptor (like oxygen) to produce ATP (energy).
inspiration
The process of breathing in, where air is drawn into the lungs as the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, expanding the chest cavity.
14. nasal septum
The partition separating the two nasal cavities in the mid-plane.
19. respiratory system
The biological system consisting of specific organs and structures (e.g., lungs, trachea, bronchi) used for gas exchange.
cilia
Specialized, tiny, hair-like organelles lining the respiratory tract that move to sweep foreign materials (mucus, dust, pathogens) toward the mouth to be swallowed or expelled.
10. internal respiration
The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide that occurs at the cellular level between the blood in systemic capillaries and the body tissues (cells).
15. nose
The entrance to the respiratory system that warms, conditions, and filters the air you breathe and houses the olfactory organs (sense of smell).
20. sinuses
Hollow spaces filled with air (paranasal sinuses) located around the nose inside the skull, connected to the nasal cavity.