Neil Francis B.

Macawile BSN1 -NJ

1. Based on function, the respiratory passageways can be subdivided into the

conducting and respiratory zones. The conducting zone functions as a
passageway for the exchange of air between the outside of the body, and the
respiratory zone is where gas exchange between the air and blood takes place.
Name in order the parts of the conducting and respiratory zones, starting with the
nose and ending with the alveoli.

The respiratory passages are divided into two categories: the respiratory zone, which is
where gas exchange occurs, and the conducting zone, which acts as a conduit for air
exchange between the body and the environment. In the conducting zone, air moves
from the (1) nose through the (2) nasal cavity, (3) pharynx, (4) larynx, (5) trachea, (6)
bronchi, and (7 ) bronchioles. The path proceeds through (8) alveolar ducts, (9)
respiratory bronchioles, and (10) alveoli in the respiratory zone. This is where the vital
process of breathing is facilitated by the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen.

2. During inspiration, the abdominal muscles relax. How is this advantageous?

It is helpful for the thoracic cavity to expand that the abdominal muscles relax during
inspiration. There is less resistance to the diaphragm's fall when the abdominal muscles
relax as the diaphragm contracts and descends and the external intercostal muscles
raise the rib cage. By increasing the capacity of the thoracic cavity, this lessens the
pressure inside the lungs and makes it easier for air to enter. This helps the lungs
expand. In this stage, contractions of the abdominal muscles could prevent the
diaphragm from descending and so prevent the lungs from expanding as efficiently as
possible.

3. During normal, quiet respiration, when does the maximum rate of diffusion of
oxygen in the pulmonary capillaries occur? When does the maximum rate of
diffusion of carbon dioxide occur?

The greatest rate of oxygen diffusion in the pulmonary capillaries happens when blood
is near the alveoli during quiet, normal breathing. The reason for this is the
concentration gradient brought about by the alveoli's higher partial pressure of oxygen
than that of the pulmonary capillaries. At the same time, blood in the pulmonary
capillaries surrounding the alveoli with a higher concentration of carbon dioxide
experiences the maximum rate of diffusion of carbon dioxide. This gradient is caused by
the pulmonary capillaries' higher partial pressure of carbon dioxide, which makes it
easier for the lungs to effectively remove carbon dioxide from the bloodstream during
gas exchange.

4. Explain what happens to the shape of the trachea when a person swallows a
large mouthful of food. Why is this change of shape advantageous?

To help with swallowing, the trachea temporarily changes form when a person takes a
large amount of food. The tracheal aperture is covered by the epiglottis as a result of
the larynx and hyoid bone moving upward. This serves as a defense mechanism,
keeping liquids and food from getting into the trachea and, eventually, the lungs.
Ingested material is guided into the esophagus, lowering the risk of choking or
aspiration and protecting the respiratory routes from potential injury. The C-shaped
cartilage rings in the trachea give structural support.

5. In carbon monoxide poisoning, carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin, thereby

decreasing the uptake of oxygen by hemoglobin. In addition, when carbon
monoxide binds to hemoglobin, the oxygen hemoglobin dissociation curve shifts
to the left. What are the consequences of this shift on the ability of tissues to get
oxygen? Explain.

When carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning occurs, CO and oxygen fight for hemoglobin
binding sites, resulting in carboxyhemoglobin. The dissociation curve of oxygen and
hemoglobin shifts to the left as a result of this interaction. The shift to the left shows that
hemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen at a particular partial pressure of oxygen.
Although this may improve oxygen's initial binding to hemoglobin in the lungs, it also
significantly prevents oxygen from being released into the tissues. Even with sufficient
blood oxygen levels, tissues lose some of their ability to absorb oxygen from
hemoglobin. As a result, tissues lose the oxygen necessary for regular cellular
metabolism, leading to cellular hypoxia. This disruption in oxygen supply can have far-
reaching effects on important organs and tissues, and it plays a major role in
exacerbating the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

References:

Lumen Learning & OpenStax. (n.d.-a). Organs and structures of the respiratory System
| Anatomy and Physiology II. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-
ap2/chapter/organs-and-structures-of-the-respiratory-system/
Lumen Learning & OpenStax. (n.d.-c). The Process of Breathing | Anatomy and
Physiology II. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-ap2/chapter/the-process-
of-breathing-no-content/
Molnar, C. (2015, May 14). 20.2 Gas Exchange across Respiratory Surfaces.
Pressbooks. https://opentextbc.ca/biology/chapter/20-2-gas-exchange-across-
respiratory-surfaces/
Vasković, J., MD. (2023, November 3). Epiglottis. Kenhub.
https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/epiglottis
Patel, S. (2023, March 27). Physiology, Oxygen Transport And Carbon Dioxide
Dissociation Curve. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539815/