Respiratory System


Functions:

  • gas exchange
  • elimination of waste (ex: ketones)
  • Components:
  • trachea with C-rings
  • two lungs
  • primary bronchi: lead to each of the lungs
  • secondary (lobar) bronchi: lead to each lobe of the lungs
  • tertiary bronchi
  • bronchioles; these are the first passageways that no longer contain cartilage
  • terminal bronchioles
  • respiratory bronchioles
  • aveolar sacs
  • alveoli
  • diaphragm: major muscle in respiration; contraction causes an increase in thoracic volume resulting in inspiration.
  • Terms:
  • External Respiration: gas exchange in the alveolus
  • Internal Respiration: gas exchange at the tissue level throughout the body
  • Parietal Pleura: the membrane covering the walls of the thoracic cavity
  • Visceral Pleura: the membrane directly on each lung
  • Pleural Cavities: the membrane-bound sacs in which the lungs are situated
  • Mediastinum: the area between the lungs that contains the heart; this area runs from dorsal to ventral walls.

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