Download Comprehensive Respiratory System: Structure, Function, and Control Complete Questions and more Exams Biology in PDF only on Docsity!
Comprehensive Respiratory System:
Structure, Function, and Control Complete
Questions And Answers 2026 Guaranteed
Success
What is the primary purpose of breathing? To allow gas exchange (oxygen in, carbon dioxide out) for cellular respiration. What is respiration? The process of gas exchange in the body. What is external respiration? Air enters lungs and gases are exchanged between air and blood. What is internal respiration? Blood delivers oxygen to tissues and exchanges gases with cells. Why do we need oxygen? To produce ATP through cellular respiration. What is ATP? The energy molecule used to power cellular processes. Where does cellular respiration occur? In the mitochondria. What are the main functions of the respiratory system? Gas exchange, ATP production support, regulation of blood pH, sound production, sense of smell. What organs are in the upper respiratory tract? Nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx. What organs are in the lower respiratory tract? Larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs. Where are the lungs located? In the pleural cavity. What protects the lungs? The visceral pleura membrane. What is the function of serous fluid? Lubricates lungs during breathing. How many lobes does the right lung have? 3 lobes. How many lobes does the left lung have? 2 lobes (due to cardiac notch).
What is the pathway of air through the lungs? Primary bronchi โ Secondary bronchi โ Tertiary bronchi โ Terminal bronchioles โ Alveolar ducts โ Alveolar sacs โ Alveoli.
What is the pharynx? A passageway connecting nasal/oral cavities to respiratory and digestive systems. What is another name for the pharynx? The throat. Why don't most toxins enter the bloodstream through lungs? The respiratory membrane filters substances via diffusion. What happens to trapped particles in mucus? They are swallowed and go to the stomach. What does the septum do? Bends to one side. What is the function of nasal conchae? Increase surface area for air. What is the function of sinuses? Increase air volume, reduce skull weight. Is breathing voluntary or involuntary? Both, but normally involuntary. What does the respiratory center control? Rate and depth of breathing. Where is the rhythmicity center located? Medulla oblongata. What does the pneumotaxic area do? Helps regulate breathing rate. What does the dorsal respiratory group do? Controls basic breathing rhythm. What does the ventral respiratory group do? Controls forceful breathing. What affects breathing rate? Chemicals, lung stretch, emotions. What do central chemoreceptors detect? COโ and hydrogen ion levels. Where are central chemoreceptors located? Medulla oblongata. What do carotid and aortic bodies detect? Low oxygen levels. When do oxygen levels affect breathing? Only when oxygen is very low. What is the inflation reflex? Prevents lungs from overexpanding. What nerve is involved in the inflation reflex? Vagus nerve. What does hyperventilation do? Lowers COโ in the blood. What is the main driver of breathing rate? COโ levels (not oxygen). What type of tissue allows fast diffusion? Simple squamous epithelium. What is spirometry? The measurement of different air volumes in the lungs.
What are the four respiratory volumes? Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV), Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV), Tidal Volume (TV), Residual Volume (RV). What is a respiratory cycle? One full inhalation followed by one exhalation. What is tidal volume (TV)? The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing. What is inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)? The extra air that can be inhaled after a normal breath. What is inspiratory capacity? IRV + TV; the total air inhaled during a deep breath. What is expiratory reserve volume (ERV)? The extra air that can be forcefully exhaled after normal exhalation. What is residual volume (RV)? The air remaining in the lungs after maximal exhalation. Why is residual volume important? It prevents alveoli from collapsing. What is functional residual capacity (FRC)? ERV + RV; the amount of air left in lungs after normal exhalation. What is vital capacity (VC)? TV + IRV + ERV; the maximum air exhaled after a deep breath. What is total lung capacity (TLC)? VC + RV; the maximum amount of air lungs can hold. What is anatomic dead space? Air in the respiratory system that does not participate in gas exchange. What is the function of anatomic dead space? To warm, humidify, and filter incoming air. How do diseases like asthma affect dead space? They increase dead space and decrease gas exchange. How does air move in the lungs? From higher pressure to lower pressure. What happens to pressure when volume decreases? Pressure increases. Do lungs use suction to pull in air? No, suction does not exist; air moves due to pressure differences. What muscle controls breathing? The diaphragm.
How is pitch controlled in the vocal cords? By contracting and relaxing muscles; more tension = higher pitch. What are vocal nodes? Non-cancerous growths on the vocal cords. What causes vocal nodes? Overuse or misuse of the vocal cords. How are vocal nodes treated? Voice therapy, behavior changes, and sometimes surgery.
