The respiratory system can be divided into what 2 structures? - ANSWER conducting air-
ways and respiratory tissues
Where is the site of gas exchange? - ANSWER Alveoli
What are the levels of branching? - ANSWER Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli
What cells are in the alveolar epithelium? - ANSWER Type 1 and II alveolar cells, macro-
phages
Describe what happens during inspiration and expiration: - ANSWER During inspiration,
air is drawn into the lungs as the respiratory muscles expand the chest cavity. During expira-
tion, air moves out of the lungs as the chest muscles relax and the chest cavity becomes
smaller.
What occurs with the diaphragm during inspiration and expiration - ANSWER The dia-
phragm is the main muscle of inspiration. When the diaphragm contracts (inspiration), the
chest expands. Upon expiration, the chest cavity decreases and pressure inside increases.
What is lung compliance? What factors affect it? - ANSWER Lung compliance is the ease
with which lungs can be inflated. Elastin, collagen, elastic recoil, and surface tension can af-
fect lung compliance.
What is ventilation? Perfusion? Diffusion? - ANSWER Ventilation is the movement of
gases into and out of the lungs. Perfusion is the process that allows blood flow to help facili-
tate gas exchange. Diffusion is the movement of gases across the alveolar-capillary mem-
brane.
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ways and respiratory tissues
Where is the site of gas exchange? - ANSWER Alveoli
What are the levels of branching? - ANSWER Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli
What cells are in the alveolar epithelium? - ANSWER Type 1 and II alveolar cells, macro-
phages
Describe what happens during inspiration and expiration: - ANSWER During inspiration,
air is drawn into the lungs as the respiratory muscles expand the chest cavity. During expira-
tion, air moves out of the lungs as the chest muscles relax and the chest cavity becomes
smaller.
What occurs with the diaphragm during inspiration and expiration - ANSWER The dia-
phragm is the main muscle of inspiration. When the diaphragm contracts (inspiration), the
chest expands. Upon expiration, the chest cavity decreases and pressure inside increases.
What is lung compliance? What factors affect it? - ANSWER Lung compliance is the ease
with which lungs can be inflated. Elastin, collagen, elastic recoil, and surface tension can af-
fect lung compliance.
What is ventilation? Perfusion? Diffusion? - ANSWER Ventilation is the movement of
gases into and out of the lungs. Perfusion is the process that allows blood flow to help facili-
tate gas exchange. Diffusion is the movement of gases across the alveolar-capillary mem-
brane.
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