PHS 3507 Chapter Notes - Chapter 23: Vital Capacity, Great Vessels, Respiratory Minute Volume
25 Oct 2017
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Document Summary
Gas exchange: diffusion of gases across the respiratory membrane. Driven by cellular demand for oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide. Oxygen is obtained by gas exchange in the lungs. Oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported by the cardiovascular system. Provides extensive surface area for gas exchange: moves air to and from exchange surfaces of lungs. Surface are of lungs: 35x that of body. Alveoli: air-filled pockets where gas exchange takes place. Upper respiratory system: trachea and bronchi contain mucous glands to moisten air and trap dust. Conducting portion of lower respiratory system: contains smooth muscle in lumen of bronchioles to regulate passageway diameter. Mucous cells and glands: produce mucus that coats exposed surfaces; rate of mucous production increases upon exposure to noxious stimuli. Cilia: sweep debris and dust trapped in mucus towards the pharynx (mucus escalator). Alveolar macrophages: engulf small particles that reach lung tissue. Air flows into nasal vestibules where coarse hairs capture large particles.
