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Respiratory System Flashcards
Free Medical Science Revision Cards
Cover the anatomy of the lungs, the mechanics of breathing, gas exchange at the alveoli and common respiratory conditions with these free Medical Science flashcards.
Question
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
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Answer
Gas exchange — delivering oxygen to the blood and removing carbon dioxide. Also filters air, regulates pH (via CO₂ levels), and plays a role in speech and smell.
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Question
What is the path of air from inhalation to the alveoli?
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Answer
Nose/mouth → pharynx → larynx → trachea → left and right bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli (where gas exchange occurs).
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Question
What are the alveoli and how are they adapted for gas exchange?
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Answer
Tiny air sacs in the lungs with very thin walls (one cell thick), a rich capillary network, large surface area (~70 m²), and a moist lining — providing efficient diffusion of O₂ and CO₂ between air and blood.
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Question
What is ventilation?
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Answer
The mechanical process of moving air in and out of the lungs. Inspiration: diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract → thoracic volume increases → pressure falls → air rushes in. Expiration: muscles relax → opposite occurs.
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Question
What is tidal volume?
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Answer
The volume of air inhaled or exhaled in a normal breath at rest — approximately 500 mL in an adult. Vital capacity is the maximum volume after a maximum breath in and out (~4–5 litres).
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Question
How is oxygen transported in the blood?
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Answer
Primarily bound to haemoglobin in red blood cells (97%) — forming oxyhaemoglobin. A small amount dissolves in plasma. Each haemoglobin molecule can carry four oxygen molecules.
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Question
How is CO₂ transported in the blood?
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Answer
70% as bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻) in plasma (via the chloride shift), 23% bound to haemoglobin (as carbaminohaemoglobin), and 7% dissolved in plasma.
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Question
What controls the breathing rate?
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Answer
The respiratory centre in the medulla oblongata and pons. It responds to blood CO₂ levels (via chemoreceptors) — rising CO₂ increases breathing rate to expel excess CO₂ and restore pH.
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Question
What is COPD and how is it managed?
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Answer
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease — progressive airflow obstruction. Managed with smoking cessation, bronchodilators (SABAs, LABAs), corticosteroids, pulmonary rehabilitation, and oxygen therapy in severe cases.
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Question
What is asthma and how is it treated?
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Answer
Chronic inflammatory airway disease causing reversible bronchoconstriction. Managed with relievers (SABA — salbutamol, blue inhaler) for acute symptoms and preventers (inhaled corticosteroids — beclometasone, brown inhaler).
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