The Respiratory System

Where does inhalation occur?

Which part of the respiratory system is supported by rings of cartilage?

• Trachea

• Lung

• Oesophagus

• Diaphragm

Describe what happens to the respiratory system when a person takes a breath in.

Answer explanation

Answer must include any FOUR of the following for full marks:

Diaphragm contracts / diaphragm lowers (5 points)

Intercostal muscles contract / ribcage rises (5 points)

Pressure decreases inside lungs / Lungs expand (5 points)

Air taken in through nose (5 points)

Air travels through trachea (5 points)

Oxygen leaves lungs / oxygen enters blood / gaseous exchange (5 points)

Carbon dioxide leaves blood / carbon dioxide enters lungs / gaseous exchange (5 points)

Give an example of how one of the components of the respiratory system may also play a role in either the human digestive system or the human circulatory system.

Answer explanation

Full marks for any accurate example linking the respiratory system with at least one other system. For example:

Respiratory system plays a large role in the circulatory system - Gas exchange (e.g. lungs oxygenate blood which is transported to heart)

Diaphragm plays a role in the digestive system - Increases abdominal pressure to help the expulsion of waste, helps to prevent acid reflux.

Pharynx is part of both respiratory and digestive systems (carries both air and food).

Label the components of the respiratory system:

Answer explanation

To get full marks, FIVE of the labels must be correct:

A. Nose (4 points)

B. Trachea (4 points)

C. Bronchus (4 points)

D. Larynx (4 points)

E. Lung (4 points)

F. Diaphragm (4 points)

Match the following components of the respiratory system:

A. Trachea B. Lungs C. Bronchus D. Diaphragm E. Larynx

To their functions:

1. Inhales oxygen / Exhales carbon dioxide

2. Allows passage of air to and from the lungs

Contracts during inhalation, flattens during exhalation

Protects from the passage of food into lungs

Moistens and cleans the air it carries to the lungs

Answer explanation

A. Trachea - Allows passage of air to and from the lungs

B. Lungs - Inhales oxygen / Exhales carbon dioxide

C. Bronchus - Moistens and cleans the air it carries to the lungs

D. Diaphragm - Contracts during inhalation, flattens during exhalation

E. Larynx - Protects from the passage of food into lungs