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Respiratory System Structures
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Intercostal Muscles
Muscles located between the ribs that assist with breathing by expanding and contracting the rib cage.
Chemoreceptors
Detect changes in blood pH, carbon dioxide, and oxygen levels, and help regulate breathing rate.
Bronchioles
Smaller branches off the bronchi that lead to alveoli.
Pulmonary Capillaries
Tiny blood vessels surrounding the alveoli where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the air and the blood.
Pharynx
Passageway for air and food, aids in sound production.
Pleura
Membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity, reducing friction during breathing movements.
Thoracic Cavity
The part of the body cavity situated between the neck and the diaphragm; contains the lungs and heart.
Nose
Warms, moistens, and filters air as it is inhaled.
Larynx
Houses the vocal cords, and is responsible for sound production.
Vocal Cords
Muscular bands within the larynx that vibrate to produce sound when air passes over them.
Carina
A ridge at the base of the trachea where it splits into two bronchi, it is sensitive to irritation and can induce coughing.
Pulmonary Veins
Carry oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart.
Trachea
Provides air flow to and from the lungs.
Epiglottis
A flap of cartilage that covers the trachea during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airways.
Bronchi
Two main branches off the trachea that lead to each lung, conducting air into the lungs.
Lungs
Pair of organs that house the bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli; responsible for gas exchange with the blood.
Pulmonary Arteries
Carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.
Nasal Cavity
Located within and posterior to the nose, the nasal cavity conditions the air to be received by the other areas of the respiratory tract.
Medulla Oblongata
Regulates involuntary respiratory and cardiovascular functions.
Diaphragm
Main muscle of respiration that contracts and flattens to increase thoracic volume and draw air into the lungs.
Surfactant
A substance that reduces surface tension within the alveoli, preventing their collapse during exhalation.
Alveoli
Tiny sacs within the lungs where gas exchange occurs.
Rib Cage
Bony structure providing protection to the thoracic organs and support to the upper body. Also assists in respiration.
Sinuses
Air-filled spaces in the skull that help humidify and heat inhaled air, and give resonance to the voice.
Mediastinum
The central region of the thoracic cavity, containing the heart, trachea, esophagus, and other structures.
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