Flashcards for:
NSG 530 Module 5: The Human Respiratory System

Increased carbon dioxide in the blood raises the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+), which lowers the blood pH, making it more acidic.

Understanding the respiratory system is crucial for treating illnesses like asthma and emphysema, and for developing treatments such as artificial surfactants for respiratory distress syndrome in premature babies.

Careers focused on respiratory health include pulmonologists and respiratory therapists.

The primary functions are facilitating the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) and working closely with the circulatory system to deliver oxygen needed for cellular respiration.

Earthworms use their skin, fish use gills, and insects use a tracheal system with spiracles for gas exchange.

The intercostal muscles and diaphragm help expand or contract the thoracic cavity, facilitating the process of inhalation and exhalation.

Primary bronchi divide into secondary bronchi, which then divide into tertiary bronchi, further branching into smaller bronchioles. Bronchioles lead to alveolar ducts, which are surrounded by alveolar sacs containing alveoli.

Air enters through the nasal cavity, is warmed, humidified, and filtered, then passes through the pharynx, larynx (voice box), and trachea. The epiglottis prevents food from entering the trachea, and the trachea branches into primary bronchi, one for each lung.

The circulatory system aids in gas exchange, the skeletal system (ribs) protects the lungs, the muscular system (intercostal muscles, diaphragm, etc.) helps in breathing, and the nervous system regulates breathing through pH signals.

Alveoli are thin-walled structures that provide a large surface area for gas exchange with capillaries, allowing red blood cells to pick up oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.

Artificial surfactants are substances used to lower surface tension in the alveoli, crucial for alveolar inflation and essential for treating respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants.

The epiglottis prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing, directing it to the esophagus instead.

Surfactants reduce surface tension within the alveoli, enabling them to inflate properly and therefore enhancing gas exchange efficiency.

The brain regulates involuntary breathing by monitoring blood pH. An increase in carbon dioxide raises H+ concentration, lowering blood pH. The brain adjusts the breathing rate and depth to stabilize blood pH at around 7.4.

The right lung has 3 lobes while the left lung has 2 lobes and a cardiac notch.