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Respiration
MCAT
20
Other
Not Applicable
03/10/2005

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Term
Respiration
Definition
Exchange of gases between an organism and its external environment, the transport of these gases within the organism, and the idffusion of gases into and out of cells.
Term
Respiratory passage
Definition
1. External nares (nostrils)
2. Nasal cavities: filtered by mucous and nasal hairs.
3. Pharynx
4. Larynx
5. Trachea: divides into 2 bronchi; Lined with ciliated epithelial cells which trap foregin particles.
6. Bronchioles: Terminal branches of bronchi. Each surrounded by alveoli.
Term
Alveoli
Definition
Small air sacs surrounding each bronchiole. Site of gas exchange between lungs and circulatory system. Each coated with a thin layer of liquid w/surfactant; surrounded by capillary network.
Term
Role of surfactant
Definition
Lowers the surface tension of the alveoli and facilitates gas exchange across the membranes.
Term
Ventilation
Definition
Process by which air is inhaled and exhaled. Purpose is to take in oxygen, and eliminate CO2.
Term
Thoracic Cavity
Definition
Body cavity that contains the heart and lung. Ventilating mechanism is dependent upon pressure changes in this cavity.
Term
Diaphragm
Definition
Muscle which separates thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity; bounded on the sides by the chest wall.
Term
Visceral and parietal pleura
Definition
Membranes surrounding the lungs.
Term
Intrapleural space
Definition
Region between the two pleura, which contains a thin layer of fluid. Pressure differential between this space and the lungs prevents the lungs from collapsing.
Term
Inhalation: Negative-Pressure breathing.
Definition
1. Diaphragm contracts and flattens.
2. external intercostal muscles contract
3. Rib cage is and chest wall are pushed up and out.
4. Thoracic cavity increases in volume, which reduces the intrapleural pressure, causing lungs to expand and fill with air.
Term
Exhalation
Definition
Passive Process
1. Diaphragm and external intercostal muscles relax, chest wall pushes inward.
2. = Decrease in thoracic cavity volume.
3. Causes air pressure in intrapleural space to increase.
4. Lungs deflate, air is forced out of the alveoli.
Forced:
1. Internal intercostal muscles contract.
2. Rib cage pulled down.
Term
Regulation of ventilation
Definition
Regulated by respiratory center in the medulla oblongata.
Term
Medulla Oblongata
Definition
Neurons in this area regulate ventilation via rhythmic discharges stimulating contraction of the intercostal muscles and/or diaphragm. Modified by chemoreceptors.
Term
Chemoreceptors
Definition
Receptors which respond to changes in the pH and pp of CO2 in the blood, thereby stimulating an increase or decrease in ventilation rate.
Term
Spirometer
Definition
Measures amount of air normally in the respiratory system and the rate at which ventilation occurs.
Term
Vital capacity
Definition
The maximum amount of air that can be forcibly inhaled and exhaled from the lungs.
Term
Tidal volume
Definition
The amount of air normally inhaled and exhaled with each breath.
Term
Expiratory reserve volume
Definition
Volume of air that can still be forcibly exhaled following a normal exhalation.
Term
Total lung capacity
Definition
= vital capacity + residual volume.
Term
Pulmonary capillaries
Definition
Dense network of minute blood vessels which surround the alveoli via which gas exchang eoccurs by diffusion (as well as alveoli).
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