The respiratory system

 

 

The human thorax is made up of the following:

• Trachea
• Alveoli
• Bronchi (Left & right bronchus)
• Ribs
• Intercostal muscles
• Pleural membranes
• Diaphragm

 

 

• The trachea splits into two bronchi (one leads to the left lung and the other to the right).
• Pleural membranes surround each lung.
• Cartilage rings in the walls of the trachea help to keep it open.
• The bronchioles end in small sacs called alveoli. This is where the gas exchange takes place.
  
  

🫁 Knowledge Check: The Respiratory System

Test your understanding of the organs and processes involved in human breathing and gas exchange.

1. Which structure is known as the 'windpipe' and is held open by rings of cartilage?

• The Bronchus
• The Trachea
• The Alveoli

2. What are the tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs called?

• Bronchioles
• Cilia
• Alveoli

3. During inhalation (breathing in), what does the diaphragm do?

• It relaxes and moves upwards.
• It contracts and moves downwards.
• It stays still to allow the lungs to expand.

4. Which of the following is the correct function of cilia in the respiratory system?

• They move mucus containing dust and bacteria away from the lungs.
• They increase the surface area for oxygen absorption.
• They produce the carbon dioxide released during exhalation.

5. Which gas passes from the alveoli into the blood during gas exchange?

• Nitrogen
• Carbon Dioxide
• Oxygen

Click to Reveal Answers

1. The Trachea (The main airway supported by cartilage).
2. Alveoli (Clusters of air sacs at the ends of the bronchioles).
3. Contracts and moves downwards (This increases the volume of the chest cavity).
4. They move mucus away from the lungs (Working with mucus-producing cells to protect the lungs).
5. Oxygen (While carbon dioxide passes from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled).

 

Tags:respiratory system, trachea. bronchi, alveoli, ribs, intercostal muscles, pleural membranes, diaphragm, what is the job of the respiratory system, respiratory system job, job of the respiratory system, respiratory system major organs, what does the bronchi do in the respiratory system, why is the respiratory system important, what organs make up the respiratory system.