Define These Respiratory System Terms Flashcards

The nose filters air by trapping dirt and microbes in the mucus and hairs in our nostrils.The nose also warms the air up prior to the air entering our lungs.

Air moves from the nose into the pharynx and down the trachea towards the lungs. The pharynx and trachea are both passageways through which air travels.

The larynx, or voicebox, sits on top of the trachea.It is also known as the Adam's apple.

The bronchi (bronchus is singular) bring the air from the trachea into the lungs.The bronchi branch into smaller tubes called bronchioles.

In the lungs, thin-walled air sacs, called alveoli, extend from the bronchioles and are wrapped in capillaries.Oxygen from the lungs enters the blood stream through the alveoli and capillaries.Carbon dioxide leaves the blood stream and enters the lungs through the same capillaries and alveoli.

The diaphragm is a muscle. When it contracts (moves down), the lungs expand pulling air into the lungs.When it relaxes (moves up), air is pushed out.

These muscles are attached in between the ribs. These muscles are used during inhalation as they lift the ribcage upwards to create space in the chest cavity for lungs to expand.

Refers to inhalation, External intercostal muscles contract pulling the lungs up. Space is created in the lungs, which means the pressure inside the lungs drops. This allows air to be taken in and enter the lungs. (Pressure outside the lungs is greater than the pressure inside the lungs).

Refers to exhalation External intercostal muscles relax and internal intercostal muscle contract, causing the ribcage to become smaller again.Space inside the lungs decreases, which increase the pressure of air inside the lungs. This causes the air inside the lungs to be expelled. (Pressure inside the lungs is greater than pressure of air outside of the lungs)