question

The Nasal cavity is indicated by letter _________.

answer

A

question

The right main primary bronchus is indicated by letter _______.

answer

H

question

The trachea is indicated by letter __________

answer

I

question

The diaphragm muscle is indicated by letter __________

answer

G

question

The oral cavity is indicated by letter __________

answer

C

question

The base of the right lung is indicated by letter __________

answer

F

question

The nostrils are indicated by letter __________

answer

B

question

The apex of the right lung is indicated by letter __________

answer

E

question

The larynx is indicated by letter __________

answer

D

question

The pharynx is indicated by letter __________.

answer

J

question

The three mucosa-covered projections into the nasal cavity that greatly increase surface area of mucosa exposed to air are called __________

answer

conchae

question

The anterior portion of the palate that is supported by bone is called the __________

answer

hard palate

question

The three regions of the pharynx are the __________

answer

nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx

question

Inflammation of the sinuses that can cause marked changes in voice quality is called __________

answer

sinusitis

question

The large shield-shaped thyroid cartilage that protrudes anteriorly is commonly called the __________

answer

Adam's apple

question

The mucosa-lined windpipe that extends from the larynx to the level of the fifth thoracic vertebra is called the __________

answer

trachea

question

Clusters of lymphatic tissue in the pharynx are referred to as _________

answer

tonsils

question

The opening between the vocal folds is called the __________

answer

glottis

question

The C-shaped rings that reinforce the trachea are constructed of __________ cartilage.

answer

hyaline

question

The flap of elastic cartilage that protects the opening of the larynx is called the __________

answer

epiglottis

question

Folds of mucous membrane called __________ vibrate to provide speech.

answer

vocal folds or true vocal cords

question

The serous membrane that surrounds each lung is created by a parietal and visceral __________

answer

pleura

question

The division of the trachea produces two tubes called the right and left main (primary) __________

answer

bronchus

question

"Dust cells" that wander in and out of the alveoli, picking up bacteria, carbon particles, and other debris, are actually __________

answer

macrophages

question

The air sacs of the lungs are called __________.

answer

alveoli

question

The process of moving air into and out of the lungs is commonly called breathing or __________.

answer

pulmonary ventilation

question

Gas exchange between the blood and tissue cells is called __________

answer

internal respiration

question

The inspiratory muscles that contract so we can inspire air are the __________ and __________.

answer

diaphragm; external intercostals

question

The presence of air in the intrapleural space is known as __________.

answer

pneumothorax

question

Normal quiet breathing moves about __________ mL of air into and out of the lungs with each breath.

answer

500

question

A mechanism that clears the upper respiratory passages, which is similar to a cough except that the expelled air is directed through the nasal cavities instead of the oral cavity, is called a __________.

answer

sneeze

question

Air that remains in the conducting zone passageways and never reaches the alveoli is called the __________.

answer

dead space volume

question

Respiratory capacities are measured with a __________.

answer

spirometer

question

During __________, oxygen binds to hemoglobin to form oxyhemoglobin.

answer

external respiration

question

__________ is an odorless, colorless gas which binds preferentially with the same binding site on hemoglobin.

answer

Carbon monoxide

question

Most carbon dioxide is dissolved in blood plasma and transported as __________.

answer

bicarbonate ion

question

Inadequate oxygen delivery to body tissues is called __________.

answer

hypoxia

question

The portions of the brain that contain respiratory centers and set the breathing rate are the __________.

answer

medulla oblongata and pons

question

A normal respiratory rate of about 12-15 breaths per minute is called __________.

answer

eupnea

question

The most important stimulus for breathing in a healthy person is the body's need to rid itself of the blood gas called __________.

answer

carbon dioxide

question

In order to return acidic blood pH to normal, breathing becomes deeper and more rapid, a phenomenon known as __________.

answer

hyperventilation

question

The fatty molecule made by alveolar cells known as __________ reduces surface tension prevents alveoli collapse between breaths.

answer

surfactant

question

Gas exchange occurs in the: A) nose B) pharynx C) larynx D) trachea E) alveoli

answer

E) alveoli

question

The respiratory conducting passageways perform all of the following functions EXCEPT: A) allow air to reach the lungs B) purify air C) humidify air D) exchange gases E) warm incoming air

answer

D) exchange gases

question

Which one of the following terms does NOT apply to the nose: A) external nares B) nasopharynx C) nostrils D) nasal cavity E) nasal septum

answer

B) nasopharynx

question

What is the role of mucus in the nasal cavity: A) increase the air turbulence in the nasal cavity B) separate the oral from the nasal cavity C) lighten the skull D) act as a resonance chamber for speech E) trap incoming bacteria and other foreign debris

answer

E) trap incoming bacteria and other foreign debris

question

The nasal cavity is separated from the oral cavity by: A) the hard palate B) the nasal conchae C) the soft palate D) both the hard and soft palate E) both the nasal conchae and hard palate

answer

D) both the hard and soft palate

question

Which one of the following bones does NOT contain paranasal sinuses: A) frontal B) sphenoid C) mandible D) ethmoid E) maxilla

answer

C) mandible

question

Which tonsil(s) is/are located in the oropharynx at the end of the soft palate: A) adenoid B) pharyngeal tonsil C) thymus gland D) palatine tonsils E) lingual tonsils

answer

D) palatine tonsils

question

Air from the nasal cavity enters the superior portion of the pharynx called the: A) nasopharynx B) oropharynx C) palatopharynx D) laryngopharynx E) tracheopharynx

answer

A) nasopharynx

question

The pharynogotympanic tubes, which drain the middle ear, open into the: A) nasopharynx B) oropharynx C) palatopharynx D) laryngopharynx E) tracheopharynx

answer

A) nasopharynx

question

Contaminated mucus is removed from the lower respiratory passageways, such as the trachea, by: A) flagella B) yawning C) contractions of smooth muscles D) cilia E) laughing

answer

D) cilia

question

Following the removal of the larynx, a person would be unable to: A) speak B) sneeze C) eat D) hear E) breathe

answer

A) speak

question

The opening between the vocal cords is called the: A) epiglottis B C) larynx D) thyroid cartilage E) esophagus

answer

B) glottis

question

The flap of elastic cartilage that protects food from entering the larynx when swallowing is the: A) glottis B) thyroid cartilage C) Adam's apple D) epiglottis E) trachea

answer

D) epiglottis

question

Vibration due to exhaled air that results in speech is a function of the: A) complete voice box B) true vocal cords C) false vocal cords D) glottis E) epiglottis

answer

B) true vocal cords

question

Terminal bronchioles eventually terminate in: A) alveoli B) bronchioles C) main (primary) bronchi D) glottis E) diaphragm

answer

A) alveoli

question

The serous membrane covering the surface of the lungs is called the: A) mediastinum B) visceral pleura C) parietal pleura D) main (primary) bronchi E) pleurisy

answer

B) visceral pleura

question

Which one of the following is NOT true of the lungs: A) the narrower portion of each lung is called the apex B) the bases rest on the diaphragm C) the left lung has two lobes D) the right lung has three lobes E) both lungs have two lobes

answer

E) both lungs have two lobes

question

When oxygen enters the respiratory system, what is the next structure to which it travels immediately upon leaving the trachea: A) bronchioles B) alveoli C) pleura D) main (primary) bronchi E) tertiary bronchi

answer

D) main (primary) bronchi

question

Which one of the following structures is NOT part of the respiratory zone: A) respiratory bronchioles B) alveolar ducts C) alveolar sacs D) alveoli E) primary bronchi

answer

E) primary bronchi

question

Which of the following is NOT one of the four main events of respiration: A) pulmonary ventilation B) respiratory gas transport C) residual volume D) external respiration E) internal respiration

answer

C) residual volume

question

Exchange of both oxygen and carbon dioxide through the respiratory membrane occurs by: A) osmosis B) simple diffusion C) facilitated diffusion D) active transport E) endocytosis

answer

B) simple diffusion

question

The lipid molecule critical to lung function that coats the gas-exposed alveolar surfaces is called: A) surfactant B) interferon C) kinin D) renin E) lecithin

answer

A) surfactant

question

Air moving in and out of the lungs is called: A) internal respiration B) inspiration C) external respiration D) expiration E) pulmonary ventilation

answer

E) pulmonary ventilation

question

Which one of the following is NOT true of inspiration: A) contraction of the diaphragm muscle helps increase the size of the thoracic cavity B) relaxation of the external intercostal muscles helps increase the size of the thoracic cavity C) increased intrapulmonary volume causes inhaled gases to spread out D) the decreased gas pressure produces a partial vacuum that forcibly sucks air in E) air continues to move into the lungs until intrapulmonary pressure equals atmospheric pressure

answer

B) relaxation of the external intercostal muscles helps increase the size of the thoracic cavity

question

The gas exchange that occurs between blood and tissue cells at systemic capillaries is called: A) pulmonary ventilation B) expiration C) internal respiration D) external respiration E) respiratory gas transport

answer

C) internal respiration

question

Expiration (exhalation) occurs when: A) diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract B) air moves into the lungs C) intrapulmonary volume increases D) diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax E) intrapulmonary pressure decreases

answer

D) diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax

question

Which nonrespiratory air movement clears the upper respiratory passageways: A) coughing B) yawning C) laughing D) hiccupping E) sneezing

answer

E) sneezing

question

The presence of air in the intrapleural space is known as: A) atelectasis B) asthma C) hypoxia D) pleurisy E) pneumothorax

answer

E) pneumothorax

question

The respiratory movement representing the total amount of exchangeable air is the: A) tidal volume B) inspiratory reserve volume C) expiratory reserve volume D) vital capacity E) dead space volume

answer

D) vital capacity

question

The amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a tidal expiration is about: A) 500 mL B) 1200 mL C) 2100 mL D) 4800 mL E) 6000 mL

answer

B) 1200 mL

question

The amount of air exchanged during normal quiet breathing is about: A) 500 mL B) 1200 mL C) 2100 mL D) 4800 mL E) 6000 mL

answer

A) 1200 mL

question

Carbon dioxide dissolves in blood plasma for transport as: A) carbohemoglobin B) bicarbonate ion C) oxyhemoglobin D) carbon monoxide E) deoxyhemoglobin

answer

B) bicarbonate ion

question

Oxygen binds with hemoglobin in the blood to form: A) bicarbonate ion B) oxyhemoglobin C) carbonic acid D) carbon dioxide E) plasma

answer

B) oxyhemoglobin

question

The bluish cast that results from inadequate oxygenation of the skin and mucosa is called: A) cyanosis B) xanthosis C) melanosis D) albinism E) erythema

answer

A) cyanosis

question

Where are the respiratory centers housed which control involuntary breathing rates: A) hypothalamus and thalamus B) cerebellum and occipital lobe C) midbrain and medulla D) medulla and pons E) thalamus and corpus callosum

answer

D) medulla and pons

question

Cessation of breathing is called: A) apnea B) dyspnea C) eupnea D) hyperpnea E) tachypnea

answer

A) apnea

question

Hypoventilation dramatically increases carbonic acid concentration and involves: A) extremely deep breathing B) extremely fast breathing C) extremely slow breathing D) intermittent breathing E) irregular breathing

answer

C) extremely slow breathing

question

Hyperventilation leads to all of the following except: A) brief periods of apnea B) cyanosis C) dizziness D) fainting E) buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood

answer

E) buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood

question

The most important chemical stimulus leading to increased rate and depth of breathing is: A) decreased oxygen level in the blood B) increased blood pH C) increased carbon dioxide in the blood D) increased hydrogen ion in the blood E) decreased carbon dioxide in the blood

answer

C) increased carbon dioxide in the blood

question

Which one of the following is NOT a feature of COPD: A) most patients have a genetic predisposition to COPD B) dyspnea becomes progressively more severe C) frequent pulmonary infections are common D) most COPD victims are hypoxic E) most patients have a history of smoking

answer

A) most patients have a genetic predisposition to COPD

question

Which congenital respiratory disease results in the oversecretion of mucus and clogging of respiratory passageways: A) asthma B) emphysema C) cleft palate D) atelectasis E) cystic fibrosis

answer

E) cystic fibrosis

question

The molecule that prevents lung collapse by lowering the surface tension of the water film lining each alveolar sac is called: A) resorbin B) renin C) lecithin D) surfactant E) fibrosin

answer

D) surfactant

question

Surfactant is usually present in fetal lungs in adequate quantities by: A) 20-22 weeks of pregnancy B) 22-24 weeks of pregnancy C) 24-26 weeks of pregnancy D) 26-28 weeks of pregnancy E) 28-30 weeks of pregnancy

answer

E) 28-30 weeks of pregnancy

question

The abbreviation IRDS stands for: A) infant respiratory disease state B) intermittent respiratory distress state C) infant respiratory distress syndrome D) intermittent respiratory disease syndrome E) infant respiratory disease syndrome

answer

C) infant respiratory distress syndrome

question

What is the most common cause for lung cancer: A) diet B) work environment C) asthma D) hereditary E) smoking

answer

E) smoking

question

The respiratory rate in adults is: A) 5-10 respirations per minute B) 12-18 respirations per minute C) 20-25 respirations per minute D) 30 respirations per minute E) over 40 respirations per minute

answer

B) 12-18 respirations per minute

question

The homeostatic imbalance associated with the death of many full-term newborn infants is called: A) CF B) SIDS C) CTRL D) COPD E) IRDS

answer

B) SIDS

question

Obstruction of the trachea by a piece of food can lead to: A) hemothorax B) pleurisy C) aspiration pneumonia D) pneumothorax E) pulmonary tamponade

answer

C) aspiration pneumonia

question

Which of these age-related disorders is related to loss of elasticity of the lungs and hypoxia: A) asthma B) sleep apnea C) tuberculosis D) pneumonia E) sudden infant death syndrome

answer

B) sleep apnea

question

Which one of the following is NOT true of lung cancer: A) it accounts for one-third of all cancer deaths in the U.S. B) its incidence is currently increasing C) it is generally more prevalent in males than females D) most types of lung cancer are very aggressive E) lung cancers often metastasize rapidly and widely

answer

C) it is generally more prevalent in males than females

question

True or False The ciliated cells of the nasal mucosa propel contaminated mucus posteriorly toward the pharynx.

answer

TRUE

question

True or False The nasal cavity is separated from the oral cavity by the nasal conchae.

answer

FALSE

question

True or False There are only three paranasal sinuses located in the frontal, sphenoid, and parietal bones.

answer

FALSE

question

True or False The portion of the pharynx continuous with the mouth is termed the oropharynx.

answer

TRUE

question

True or False The tonsils are located in the larynx.

answer

FALSE

question

True or False The larynx routes air and food into their proper channel and plays an important role in speech production.

answer

TRUE

question

True or False The "guardian of the airways" that prevents food from entering the superior opening of the larynx is the thyroid cartilage.

answer

FALSE

question

True or False The function of the C-rings of hyaline cartilage in the trachea is to keep the airway patent or open for breathing.

answer

TRUE

question

True or False The emergency surgical opening of the trachea is called a tracheostomy.

answer

TRUE

question

True or False Each main (primary) bronchus enters the lung at the apex.

answer

FALSE

question

True or False The lungs are housed in the mediastinum of the thoracic cavity.

answer

FALSE

question

True or False The bronchioles are the smallest of the conducting passageways in the lungs.

answer

TRUE

question

True or False The parietal pleura is superficial to the visceral pleura.

answer

TRUE

question

True or False The respiratory membrane is the air-blood barrier, where gases are exchanged.

answer

TRUE

question

True or False The respiratory zone includes the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, and alveoli.

answer

TRUE

question

True or False The process of breathing is known as pulmonary ventilation.

answer

TRUE

question

True or False Inspiration results when the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles relax.

answer

FALSE

question

True or False Expiration occurs when the thoracic and intrapulmonary volumes decrease and the intrapulmonary pressure increases.

answer

TRUE

question

True or False The amount of air that can be forcibly inhaled over the tidal volume is around 3100 mL.

answer

TRUE

question

True or False Normal quiet breathing, known as tidal volume, is around 500 mL of air.

answer

TRUE

question

True or False Sudden inspirations resulting from spasms of the diaphragm are hiccups.

answer

TRUE

question

True or False Bronchial sounds are produced as air fills the alveoli of the lungs.

answer

FALSE

question

True or False Wheezing is a whistling sound associated with diseased respiratory tissue, mucus, or pus.

answer

TRUE

question

True or False According to the laws of diffusion, movement of a respiratory gas occurs toward the area of higher concentration of that particular respiratory gas.

answer

FALSE

question

True or False The general term for inadequate oxygen delivery to body tissues regardless of the cause is called hypoxia.

answer

TRUE

question

True or False Venous blood in systemic circulation is poorer in oxygen and richer in carbon dioxide.

answer

TRUE

question

True or False Hyperpnea results from exercise when breathing becomes deeper and more vigorous.

answer

TRUE

question

True or False The lungs of the fetus are filled with air late in pregnancy.

answer

FALSE

question

True or False Changes in oxygen levels in the blood are the most important stimuli for breathing in a healthy person.

answer

FALSE

question

Passageway for both food and air; known as the "throat" A) surfactant B) mucous C) nasal conchae D) bronchioles E) larynx F) diaphragm G) trachea H) pleura I) epiglottis J) mucus K) main (primary) bronchi L) glottis M) alveoli N) pharynx

answer

N) pharynx

question

Rigid, patent airway reinforced with C-rings of hyaline cartilage A) surfactant B) mucous C) nasal conchae D) bronchioles E) larynx F) diaphragm G) trachea H) pleura I) epiglottis J) mucus K) main (primary) bronchi L) glottis M) alveoli N) pharynx

answer

G) trachea

question

Routes air and food into their proper channels A) surfactant B) mucous C) nasal conchae D) bronchioles E) larynx F) diaphragm G) trachea H) pleura I) epiglottis J) mucus K) main (primary) bronchi L) glottis M) alveoli N) pharynx

answer

E) larynx

question

Protects the superior opening of the larynx during swallowing A) surfactant B) mucous C) nasal conchae D) bronchioles E) larynx F) diaphragm G) trachea H) pleura I) epiglottis J) mucus K) main (primary) bronchi L) glottis M) alveoli N) pharynx

answer

I) epiglottis

question

Serous membranes surrounding the lungs A) surfactant B) mucous C) nasal conchae D) bronchioles E) larynx F) diaphragm G) trachea H) pleura I) epiglottis J) mucus K) main (primary) bronchi L) glottis M) alveoli N) pharynx

answer

H) pleura

question

Lipid (fat) molecule produced by the alveoli to prevent alveoli collapse A) surfactant B) mucous C) nasal conchae D) bronchioles E) larynx F) diaphragm G) trachea H) pleura I) epiglottis J) mucus K) main (primary) bronchi L) glottis M) alveoli N) pharynx

answer

A) surfactant

question

Smallest conducting passageways in the lungs A) surfactant B) mucous C) nasal conchae D) bronchioles E) larynx F) diaphragm G) trachea H) pleura I) epiglottis J) mucus K) main (primary) bronchi L) glottis M) alveoli N) pharynx

answer

D) bronchioles

question

Part of the respiratory zone, these air sacs are the sites of gas exchange A) surfactant B) mucous C) nasal conchae D) bronchioles E) larynx F) diaphragm G) trachea H) pleura I) epiglottis J) mucus K) main (primary) bronchi L) glottis M) alveoli N) pharynx

answer

M) alveoli

question

Involves using the uvula to close the oral cavity off from the pharynx in order to clear the upper respiratory passages A) crying B) sneezing C) coughing D) hiccupping E) yawning F) laughing G) throat-clearing

answer

B) sneezing

question

An emotionally induced response that produces air movements similar to crying A) crying B) sneezing C) coughing D) hiccupping E) yawning F) laughing G) throat-clearing

answer

F) laughing

question

A very deep inspiration formerly believed to be triggered by low oxygen A) crying B) sneezing C) coughing D) hiccupping E) yawning F) laughing G) throat-clearing

answer

E) yawning

question

Primarily an emotionally induced mechanism that involves release of air in a number of short breaths, similar to laughing A) crying B) sneezing C) coughing D) hiccupping E) yawning F) laughing G) throat-clearing

answer

A) crying

question

Blast of upward rushing air that clears the lower respiratory passageways A) crying B) sneezing C) coughing D) hiccupping E) yawning F) laughing G) throat-clearing

answer

C) coughing

question

Sudden inspirations resulting from spasms of the diaphragm A) crying B) sneezing C) coughing D) hiccupping E) yawning F) laughing G) throat-clearing

answer

D) hiccupping

question

Amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a normal tidal expiration A) total lung capacity B) tidal volume C) dead space volume D) vital capacity E) conducting zone volume F) inspiratory reserve volume G) residual volume H) expiratory reserve volume

answer

H) expiratory reserve volume

question

Normal, quiet breathing which moves approximately 500 mL of air per breath A) total lung capacity B) tidal volume C) dead space volume D) vital capacity E) conducting zone volume F) inspiratory reserve volume G) residual volume H) expiratory reserve volume

answer

B) tidal volume

question

Air that enters the respiratory tract and remains within the conducting zone passageways A) total lung capacity B) tidal volume C) dead space volume D) vital capacity E) conducting zone volume F) inspiratory reserve volume G) residual volume H) expiratory reserve volume

answer

C) dead space volume

question

Amount of air that can be inhaled forcibly over the tidal volume A) total lung capacity B) tidal volume C) dead space volume D) vital capacity E) conducting zone volume F) inspiratory reserve volume G) residual volume H) expiratory reserve volume

answer

F) inspiratory reserve volume

question

Total amount of exchangeable air A) total lung capacity B) tidal volume C) dead space volume D) vital capacity E) conducting zone volume F) inspiratory reserve volume G) residual volume H) expiratory reserve volume

answer

D) vital capacity

question

Air that remains in the lungs even after the most strenuous expiration A) total lung capacity B) tidal volume C) dead space volume D) vital capacity E) conducting zone volume F) inspiratory reserve volume G) residual volume H) expiratory reserve volume

answer

G) residual volume

question

Sum total of tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, and expiratory reserve volume A) total lung capacity B) tidal volume C) dead space volume D) vital capacity E) conducting zone volume F) inspiratory reserve volume G) residual volume H) expiratory reserve volume

answer

D) vital capacity

question

Explain the roles of mucus and cilia in the respiratory system.

answer

Respiratory mucosa lines the nasal cavity which produces sticky mucus. This mucus moistens the air and traps incoming bacteria and other foreign debris entering the nasal cavity. The ciliated cells of the nasal mucosa move this contaminated mucus posteriorly toward the pharynx where it can be swallowed. The trachea is also lined with ciliated mucosa. These cilia move contaminated mucus toward the throat where it either can be swallowed or spat out.

question

List the three regions of the pharynx and identify their relative superior and inferior endpoints in the respiratory passageway.

answer

The three portions of the pharynx are the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, and the laryngopharynx. The nasopharynx is the superior portion that extends from the nasal cavity to the soft palate. The oropharynx is the central portion that lies between the soft palate and the upper epiglottis. The laryngopharynx is the most inferior portion and is the connecting point to the larynx below.

question

What structures does a molecule of oxygen encounter on its way to the alveoli of the lungs from the nose? Trace the pathway.

answer

Air first encounters the nose by entering through the nares. It travels by the nasal conchae of the nasal cavity, then to the nasopharynx, oropharynx and laryngopharynx. The next structure, the larynx, routes air into the lower respiratory passageways and food into the posterior tube, the esophagus. Air then travels into the windpipe, or trachea, and into the smaller branches, finally reaching the smallest passageways known as bronchioles. The terminal bronchioles end in alveoli, small air sacs, where gas exchange is occurring.

question

Identify the two pleural membranes and describe them under normal and disease conditions.

answer

The pleural membranes, the visceral pleura and the parietal pleura, produce a slippery serous secretion that allows the lungs to glide easily over the thorax wall during breathing. This serous fluid causes the two pleural layers to cling together. They can slide easily from side to side across one another, but they cannot easily be pulled apart. As surface tension of water holds them tightly to each other, the lungs are held tightly to the thorax wall. The pleural space is more of a potential space than an actual space, and it is only during illness or injury that this space becomes apparent, such as with a pneumothorax that can lead to atelectasis.

question

Identify and describe the four distinct events that are collectively called respiration.

answer

Pulmonary ventilation is commonly called breathing and involves the movement of air into and out of the lungs. External respiration is the exchange of gases between the pulmonary blood and the alveoli. Respiratory gas transport is the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the lungs and tissue cells of the body via the bloodstream. Internal respiration is the exchange of gases between the blood and tissue cells.

question

Describe how oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported in the blood.

answer

Oxygen is transported in two ways: 1. Most oxygen attaches to hemoglobin molecules on the RBCs to form oxyhemoglobin. 2. A small amount of oxygen dissolves in the plasma for transport. Carbon dioxide is also transported in two ways: 1. Most carbon dioxide dissolves in the plasma as the bicarbonate ion. 2. A small amount of carbon dioxide is carried inside the RBCs bound to hemoglobin (bound to a different site from oxygen).

question

Explain how hyperventilation and hypoventilation alter levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.

answer

As carbon dioxide levels increase, the pH of the blood decreases (becomes more acidic). The respiratory centers in the brain stimulate the inspiratory muscles to contract and increase the breathing rate. Hyperventilation is breathing that is deeper and more rapid than eupnea (normal breathing) and removes more carbonic acid from the blood. If carbon dioxide levels are too low, the blood pH increases (becomes more alkaline). The breathing rate slows (called hypoventilation) to retain more carbonic acid and lower the blood pH.

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