PHA1500 Structure and Function of the Human Body Module 5
Reflection Assignment
Directions: Save this document to your computer. Answer all questions
below and upload the completed document before the assignment due
date. Refer to the rubric for grading criteria.
Short Answer Questions
Directions: For each short answer question, please type your response
below the question.
1. What role does the diaphragm play in the breathing process? What other
muscles play a role in the breathing process?
Provide your answer here.
The diaphragm role in the breathing process is when repeated
inspiration and expiration occurs. Inspiration occurs when the
diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract the thoracic cavity to
expand and opening the lungs. This pulls air into the lungs. Then
expiration needs to occur. This is the process when the
diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, compressing the
thoracic cavity and pushing the air from the lungs.
Other muscles are involved when labored breathing occurs. These
muscles are known as accessory muscles and include the muscles
of the neck and abdomen.
2. What happens during the process of gas exchange in the lungs? Where
within the lungs does this process take place? Make sure to include in your
answer where oxygen and carbon dioxide travel during this
, Provide your answer here.
Gas exchanges happen in the lungs when oxygen we breathe diffuses through the
the thin walls of the alveoli into the capillaries, there it binds to the
erythrocytes and then is transported throughout the body, while at the same
time, carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli and then it is
exhaled. So gas exchanges happen in alveoli.
3. Part of the digestive system is a continuous tube that food passes through
during the digestive process. This tube, beginning with the mouth and ending
with the rectum, is called the digestive tract. What organs are included in
the digestive tract? For each organ, please list at least one aspect of digestion
that occurs within the organ. For example, food mixes with saliva and
digestive enzymes in the mouth; this is chemical digestion.
Provide your answer here.
Mouth-Where digestion begins. Mechanical digestion begins with chewing of the
food. Esophagus-After food is swallowed it travels down the esophagus
towards the stomach through a series of contractions called peristalses, this
is mechanical digestion.
Stomach-A muscular sac where food is mixed with gastric juices, which contain
enzymes that further break down proteins. This is chemical digestion.
Small intestine-A long coiled tube where most of the chemical
digestion occurs. By breaking down the carbohydrates, proteins,
and fats into smaller absorbable molecules are then absorbed
through the wall of the small intestine into the blood stream.
Large intestine-Absorbs water and salts from the remaining indigestible
food forming a solid waste(feces). There are 6 parts of the large
intestine that work through mechanical digestion. Cecum- the
beginning of the large intestine. Ascending, Transverse and
Descending colon all absorbs water and electrolytes, and the
descending colon stores the waste which then goes to the Sigmoid
colon.
Rectum-Stores the stool until it is read to be gone
Anus-This is where the final stage of digestion occurs through
excretion, by pushing out the fecal matter through the anus, this is
mechanical digestion
Reflection Assignment
Directions: Save this document to your computer. Answer all questions
below and upload the completed document before the assignment due
date. Refer to the rubric for grading criteria.
Short Answer Questions
Directions: For each short answer question, please type your response
below the question.
1. What role does the diaphragm play in the breathing process? What other
muscles play a role in the breathing process?
Provide your answer here.
The diaphragm role in the breathing process is when repeated
inspiration and expiration occurs. Inspiration occurs when the
diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract the thoracic cavity to
expand and opening the lungs. This pulls air into the lungs. Then
expiration needs to occur. This is the process when the
diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, compressing the
thoracic cavity and pushing the air from the lungs.
Other muscles are involved when labored breathing occurs. These
muscles are known as accessory muscles and include the muscles
of the neck and abdomen.
2. What happens during the process of gas exchange in the lungs? Where
within the lungs does this process take place? Make sure to include in your
answer where oxygen and carbon dioxide travel during this
, Provide your answer here.
Gas exchanges happen in the lungs when oxygen we breathe diffuses through the
the thin walls of the alveoli into the capillaries, there it binds to the
erythrocytes and then is transported throughout the body, while at the same
time, carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli and then it is
exhaled. So gas exchanges happen in alveoli.
3. Part of the digestive system is a continuous tube that food passes through
during the digestive process. This tube, beginning with the mouth and ending
with the rectum, is called the digestive tract. What organs are included in
the digestive tract? For each organ, please list at least one aspect of digestion
that occurs within the organ. For example, food mixes with saliva and
digestive enzymes in the mouth; this is chemical digestion.
Provide your answer here.
Mouth-Where digestion begins. Mechanical digestion begins with chewing of the
food. Esophagus-After food is swallowed it travels down the esophagus
towards the stomach through a series of contractions called peristalses, this
is mechanical digestion.
Stomach-A muscular sac where food is mixed with gastric juices, which contain
enzymes that further break down proteins. This is chemical digestion.
Small intestine-A long coiled tube where most of the chemical
digestion occurs. By breaking down the carbohydrates, proteins,
and fats into smaller absorbable molecules are then absorbed
through the wall of the small intestine into the blood stream.
Large intestine-Absorbs water and salts from the remaining indigestible
food forming a solid waste(feces). There are 6 parts of the large
intestine that work through mechanical digestion. Cecum- the
beginning of the large intestine. Ascending, Transverse and
Descending colon all absorbs water and electrolytes, and the
descending colon stores the waste which then goes to the Sigmoid
colon.
Rectum-Stores the stool until it is read to be gone
Anus-This is where the final stage of digestion occurs through
excretion, by pushing out the fecal matter through the anus, this is
mechanical digestion
