Ch. 7.10 Key Terms
Alveoli
the tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles in the lungs. They are the primary site of gas exchange.
Bronchi
the two main branches that the trachea divides into, leading into the right and left lungs
Bronchioles
the smaller tubes that the bronchi divide into within the lungs, which eventually end in the alveoli
Cellular respiration
the process by which body cells use oxygen to produce energy and create the waste product carbon dioxide
Cilia
tiny hair like structures that line the nasal cavities and trachea. They constantly beat to sweep mucus, fluids, and foreign particles out of the airway to keep them out of the lungs.
Epiglottis
A small flap of elastic cartilage located at the top of the larynx. It acts as a switch, covering the larynx when swallowing to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea and lungs.
Expiration
The process of breathing out (exhaling) to move carbon dioxide out of the lungs and the respiratory system.
External Respiration
The process of gas exchange that takes place between the alveoli and the bloodstream in the lungs
Inspiration
The process of breathing in (inhaling) to pull oxygen-rich air into the lungs
Larynx
Also called the voice box, located below the pharynx. It contains the vocal cords that vibrate to produce sound and is protected by the epiglottis.
Lungs
A pair of cone-shaped organs that take up most of the space in the chest cavity. Their main function is to bring in oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide through gas exchange.
Nasal Cavities
The hollow spaces within the nose that are lined with mucous membranes and cilia. They warm, moisturize, and filter the air entering the body.
Nasal Septum
The muscular wall (cartilage and bone) that separates the nasal cavity into left and right sections.
Nose
The external structure that forms the main opening for the respiratory system, where air enters the body.
Pharynx
The throat. It is a muscular funnel that extends from the nasal cavity down to the larynx and esophagus. It is a passageway for both air and food.
Pleura
A double-layered membrane (visceral and parietal) that covers the outside of the lungs and lines the chest cavity. It contains fluid to prevent friction.
Respiration
The general process of breathing, which involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Respiratory system
The body system, including the nose, airways, lungs, and diaphragm, whose main function is to take in oxygen and send out carbon dioxide through breathing and gas exchange
SInuses
Hollow areas or cavities (like the frontal, maxillary, ethmoidal, and sphenoidal) located in the cheekbones and forehead that help regulate the temperature and humidity of inhaled air
Trachea
Also known as the windpipe. It is the airway that continues below the larynx and is lined with stiff rings of cartilage to keep it open. It is divided into bronchi.
Ventilation
The process of moving air in and out of the lungs