Cirelle Helaena U.

Aristan
BSN 1 – NB

LECTURE ASSIGNMENT : RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

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.

Conducting Zone:
1. Nose
2. Nasal Cavity
3. Pharynx
4. Larynx
5. Trachea
6. Bronchi
7. Bronchioles

Respiratory Zone:
1. Respiratory Bronchioles
2. Alveolar Ducts
3. Alveolar Sacs
4. Alveoli

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

During inspiration or also known as breathing in, the abdominal muscles relax
and this allows the diaphragm to contract and move downward. This action of the
diaphragm creates more space in the thoracic cavity which increases the volume of the
chest cavity and lowers the air pressure within the lungs. Due to this, air rushed into the
lungs to equalize the pressure. This movement is advantageous because it allows the
diaphragm to effectively contact and move downward without encountering resistance
from the abdominal organs.

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?

During normal, quiet respiration, the maximum rate of diffusion of oxygen in the
pulmonary capillaries occur when the blood reaches the alveoli in the lungs. At this point,
the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli is higher than in the blood, facilitating the
rapid diffusion of oxygen from the alveoli into the blood across the alveolar-capillary
membrane. Maximum rate of diffusion of carbon dioxide occurs when the blood with high
levels of carbon dioxide reaches the pulmonary capillaries surrounding the alveoli. At
this point, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide is higher than the blood in the alveoli.
This allows for the efficient diffusion of carbon dioxide from the blood into the alveoli for
eventual exhalation.
 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?

When a person swallows a large mouthful of food, the larynx elevates and moves
upward which causes the epiglottis to close off the entrance to the trachea which
prevents food or liquid from entering the respiratory tract and instead, directs it to the
esophagus for digestion. The trachea does not change its shape significantly during
swallowing, but the movement of the larynx and the closure of the epiglottis effectively
protect the airway by sealing off the opening of the trachea. This prevents food or liquid
from entering and possibly obstructing the trachea.

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.

The shift of oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation affects the ability of tissues to get

oxygen because in the presence of carbon monoxide, hemoglobin holds onto oxygen
more tightly which makes it challenging for tissues to unload oxygen from hemoglobin
into the cells. Hemoglobin also becomes less efficient at releasing oxygen to the tissues
even though it is fully saturated with oxygen, impairing oxygen delivery. Due to this,
tissues might not be able to receive the amount of oxygen required for proper cellular
function. Tissues may experience hypoxia because of impaired oxygen unloading.

REFERENCES :

Kaimakamis, E., & Chasapidou, G. (2022). Respiration. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 3–28).

https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-823447-1.00004-x

LibGuides: BIO 140 - Human Biology I - Textbook: Chapter 29 - Organs and Structures of the

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Libretexts. (2023, January 17). 21.2E: Trachea. Medicine LibreTexts.

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Lumen Learning & OpenStax. (n.d.). Gas Exchange | Anatomy and Physiology II.

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https://www.physio-pedia.com/Muscles_of_Respiration

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