Structures of the Respiratory System
What are alveoli?
These tiny sacs in the lungs are the main site of gas exchange.
What is external respiration?
This type of respiration occurs between air and blood in the lungs.
What is the heme group of hemoglobin?
This molecule binds oxygen in red blood cells.
What is decreases?
At high altitude, oxygen pressure does this.
What is internal / cellular respiration?
Respiration that happens inside tissues and cells.
What is the diaphragm / intercostal muscles?
These muscles expand and contract to ventilate the lungs.
What is hemoglobin?
This protein in red blood cells specializes in oxygen transport.
Increased ___ lowers blood ____ causing _____ to release more oxygen.
Increased CO₂ lowers blood pH, causing hemoglobin to do this.
What is partial pressure / number of oxygen molecules?
The proportion of oxygen in air remains the same but this decreases with elevation.
What is cellular respiration?
This metabolic process requires oxygen and makes ATP.
What is the cardiovascular system?
This system works closely with the respiratory system to transport gases.
What is negative pressure?
Inhalation creates this kind of pressure, drawing air in.
What is at high altitude / in hypoxic chambers?
Athletes train here to stimulate increased red blood cell production.
What are red blood cells in relation to altitude?
Living at high altitude increases the number of these cells.
What is the nervous system?
This system detects CO₂ levels and adjusts breathing rate.
What are bronchi / bronchioles?
These branched tubes deliver air deep into the lungs.
What is diffusion?
Oxygen moves from alveoli into blood by this process.
What is lung capacity?
This term describes total air volume the lungs can hold.
What is erythropoietin / EPO?
This hormone stimulates RBC production and is used (illegally) in blood doping.
What are the respiratory, cardiovascular, and digestive systems?
These three systems work together to deliver oxygen and energy to your body.
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What is positive pressure?
Exhalation creates this type of pressure to expel air.
What is increased RBC count / ventilation / hemoglobin release?
This system adjustment improves O₂ supply during exercise.
What is blood doping?
The IOC banned this performance-enhancing practice involving extra red blood cells.
What is external, internal, and cellular respiration?
These three types of respiration are studied in this chapter.