Respiratory System Anatomy & Physiology Review

Front

What are alveolar macrophages?

Back

Alveolar macrophages are specialized immune cells located in the alveoli of the lungs that help defend against dust particles and pathogens.

Front

What is vital capacity?

Back

Vital capacity is the maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation.

Front

Where does gas exchange occur in the lungs?

Back

Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the air and the blood in the capillaries.

Front

What is Expiratory Reserve Volume?

Back

Expiratory Reserve Volume is the amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a normal breath out.

Front

What is the function of the diaphragm?

Back

The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and plays a crucial role in breathing by contracting and relaxing to help inflate and deflate the lungs.

Front

What is the role of surfactant in the lungs?

Back

Surfactant is a substance secreted by alveolar cells that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse and aiding in lung expansion.

Front

What is the trachea?

Back

The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi, allowing air to pass to and from the lungs.

Front

What are bronchi?

Back

Bronchi are the main passageways that branch from the trachea into the lungs, leading to smaller bronchioles and ultimately to the alveoli.

Front

What is total lung capacity?

Back

Total lung capacity is the maximum amount of air the lungs can hold, including all volumes: tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, expiratory reserve volume, and residual volume.

Front

What is functional residual capacity?

Back

Functional residual capacity is the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a normal exhalation, consisting of expiratory reserve volume and residual volume.