Physiology 2130 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Pulmonary Vein, Pulmonary Artery, Thoracic Cavity

• School: Western University
• Department: Physiology
• Course: Physiology 2130
• Professor: Christine Bell

Document Summary

The functions of the respiratory system include the following: The transport of oxygen from the air into the blood. The removal of carbon dioxide from the blood into the air. Forming a line of defense to airborne particles. The lungs are located in the thoracic cavity and are surrounded by the rib cage and the diaphragm. The airways consist of the nasal cavity and the mouth, which join together at the pharynx. The pharynx leads into the larynx or voice box, which then becomes the trachea. The trachea divides into two main bronchi (left and right), which continually divide into smaller and smaller bronchioles. These bronchioles continually divide and eventually end in the alveoli, which are the site of gas exchange in the lung. The pulmonary artery, which delivers deoxygenated blood to the lungs, branches extensively to form a dense network of capillaries around each alveolus. The structure of the capillaries and blood flow characteristics maximize gas exchange.