Ws18

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Orange Coast College *

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A125

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Biology

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Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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BIOL 125 – Human Biology Allissa M. Blystone, PhD Orange Coast College Chapter 14: The Respiratory System Worksheet #18 Activity 1 – Discussion 1. What are the four main functions of the respiratory system and why is each important? 1. The four main functions of the respiratory system are: - Gas exchange: The respiratory system allows for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air and the blood. This is important because oxygen is needed for cellular respiration and energy production, while carbon dioxide is a waste product that must be removed from the body. - Regulation of acid-base balance: The respiratory system helps regulate the pH balance of the blood by controlling the levels of carbon dioxide in the body. Carbon dioxide is an acidic gas, and high levels of it can cause the blood to become too acidic, while low levels can cause it to become too alkaline. - Vocalization: The respiratory system is also important for vocalization, as it provides the airflow necessary for speech and other forms of communication. - Protection against pathogens and foreign substances: The respiratory system helps to protect the body against harmful substances such as dust, allergens, and pathogens by filtering and clearing them from the airways. 2. How are inhalation and exhalation accomplished? Include references to important structures and muscles. Inhalation and exhalation are accomplished through a combination of muscular contractions and changes in air pressure. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, while the intercostal muscles between the ribs contract and lift the ribcage, which increases the volume of the thoracic cavity and lowers the air pressure inside. This decrease in pressure causes air to flow into the lungs. During exhalation, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, which decreases the volume of
the thoracic cavity and increases the air pressure inside, causing air to flow out of the lungs. Important structures involved in inhalation and exhalation include the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, bronchioles, alveoli, and trachea. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities, while the intercostal muscles are located between the ribs and help to move the ribcage. The bronchioles are small air passages in the lungs that lead to the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs. The trachea is the main airway that leads from the mouth and nose to the lungs, and it is lined with cilia and mucus to help filter and clear the air. 3. What are some disorders of the respiratory system and how can they affect the oxygen/carbon dioxide balance? Some common disorders of the respiratory system include: - Asthma: A chronic condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can make breathing difficult and cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A group of progressive lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that can cause airflow obstruction and breathing difficulties. - Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs that can cause inflammation and fluid buildup, making it difficult to breathe and affecting the oxygen/carbon dioxide balance in the body. - Pulmonary embolism: A blockage in the pulmonary artery, which can prevent blood flow to the lungs and lead to a decrease in oxygen levels in the body. These disorders can affect the oxygen/carbon dioxide balance in the body by impairing gas exchange, causing inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, and limiting the flow of air in and out of the airways. This can lead to hypoxia (low oxygen levels) and hypercapnia (high carbon dioxide levels) in the body, which can have serious consequences for overall health and organ function.
Activity 2 – Structure and Function The Upper Respiratory System Upper Respiratory System Structure Function Sinuses Air-filled cavities located in the skull bones surrounding the nose and nasal cavity Help to warm, moisten, and filter air that enters the body, and produce mucus to trap dust and particles Nasal Cavity A hollow space behind the nose that is lined with mucous membranes and cilia Main entrance for air into the respiratory system, helps to warm, moisten, and filter air before it enters the lungs Pharynx A muscular tube that connects the nasal cavity and mouth to the larynx and esophagus Serves as a pathway for air and food, helps to direct food to the esophagus and air to the trachea Epiglottis A flap of tissue located at the base of the tongue that prevents food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing Prevents food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing Larynx A cartilaginous structure located between the pharynx and trachea that Contains the vocal cords, which produce sound waves used for speech and
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