Name That Organ
Primary Entryway for air.
Nose (Nasal Cavity) or Mouth
Characterized by a "Barrel Chest"
COPD
What tiny air sacs in the lungs are the main site of gas exchange?
Alveoli
What is the name for the amount of air you breathe in and out during normal breathing?
Tidal Volume
What does VO₂ max measure in the body?
VO₂ max measures the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during exercise.
Dome shaped muscle underneath the lungs.
Diaphragm
A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, causing recurring symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
Asthma
What structure carries air from the larynx down into the bronchi?
Trachea
What process allows oxygen to move from the alveoli into the blood?
Diffusion
What two main components make up oxygen uptake in the Fick equation?
Cardiac output and arteriovenous oxygen difference
Small, branching air passages inside the lungs.
Bronchioles
What skin color change may indicate low oxygen levels in the blood?
Cyanosis
What small branches of the bronchi lead directly to the alveoli?
Bronchioles
What happens to the diaphragm during inhalation?
The diaphragm contracts and moves downward, increasing space in the chest so air flows into the lungs.
What is the gold standard test used to measure VO₂ max?
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET)
OR Maximal Exercise Test
The main airways into the lungs.
Bronchi
What does it mean if a patient has crackles or rattling sounds when breathing?
It may indicate fluid in the lungs or a condition like pneumonia
What surrounds the lungs to reduce friction while breathing?
Pleural Sacs
What is the term for low oxygen levels in the blood?
Hypoxemia
Why is VO₂ max important for endurance athletes?
It shows how well the body can deliver and use oxygen during long periods of activity, which is key for endurance performance.
Hollow tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi.
Trachea
What is a Hemothorax?
Accumulation of blood in the pleural space.
What substance helps keep alveoli from collapsing by reducing surface tension?
Surfactant
What is the difference between internal and external respiration?
External respiration is gas exchange between the lungs and blood, while internal respiration is gas exchange between the blood and body tissues.
What is the difference between absolute and relative VO₂ max?
Absolute VO₂ max is measured in liters per minute, while relative VO₂ max is adjusted for body weight (ml/kg/min).
Connects the nasal cavity and mouth to the trachea.
Pharynx
An inherited, chronic disease that leads to the production of thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and pancreas, resulting in severe respiratory infections.
Cystic Fibrosis
What part of the lung system directly connects alveoli to the blood supply?
Pulmonary Capillaries
Why does breathing rate increase during exercise?
Breathing rate increases to bring in more oxygen and remove more carbon dioxide to meet the body’s energy needs.
Why are field tests like the Cooper test less accurate than lab tests?
Field tests estimate VO₂ max using formulas, while lab tests directly measure oxygen use, making field tests less precise.
Flexible segment of the respiratory tract that connects the pharynx to the trachea.
Larynx
A patient has wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty speaking in full sentences. What is likely happening in their airways?
The airways are narrowed or restricted, limiting airflow (common in asthma)
Describe the pathway air takes from the nose or mouth to the alveoli.
Air enters through the nose or mouth, passes the pharynx and larynx, travels down the trachea, into the bronchi, then bronchioles, and finally reaches the alveoli.
How does lung capacity differ between athletes and non-athletes, and why?
Athletes usually have a higher lung capacity because training strengthens breathing muscles and improves oxygen use.
How does high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improve VO₂ max?
HIIT improves VO₂ max by stressing the heart and muscles, leading to better oxygen delivery and use.
A flap-like structure in the pharynx, prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing.
Epiglottis
Compare the appearance and breathing patterns of a person with normal respiratory function and someone experiencing respiratory distress.
A healthy person has normal breathing rate, clear sounds, and pink skin. A person in distress may have rapid breathing, use accessory muscles, abnormal sounds (wheezing/crackles), and pale or bluish skin.
Symmetrical breathing
O2 above 90
16-20 BPM
Explain how the structure of alveoli makes gas exchange efficient.
Alveoli are efficient because they have thin walls, a large surface area, and are surrounded by capillaries, allowing oxygen and carbon dioxide to move easily.
Explain how a condition like smoking can affect lung function and gas exchange.
Smoking damages alveoli, reduces gas exchange, and lowers oxygen levels in the blood, making breathing less efficient.
Explain how the cardiovascular and muscular systems work together to improve VO₂ max.
The heart pumps oxygen-rich blood, the lungs bring in oxygen, and muscles use it to produce energy. Training improves all three systems, increasing VO₂ max.