Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Endocrine Flashcards

nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, and pharynx (down to the epiglottis)

Larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, lungs, and alveoli

The entry point for air; nasal conchae creates turbulence to warm, humidify, and filter incoming air. The paranasal sinuses connect to the nasal cavity

A muscular passageway divided into three regions

- Nasopharynx: posterior to the nasal cavity

- Oropharynx: posterior to the oral cavity

- Laryngopharynx: posterior to the larynx

The trachea branches into left and right primary bronchi, which enter the lungs and continue to branch into smaller bronchioles

All structures from the nose/mouth to the terminal bronchioles. This portion filters, warms, and humidifies air but does not perform gas exchange

Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood

Carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli

Specialized respiratory epithelium that lines the conducting portion; coated with a sticky mucus

Cilia constantly beat in a coordinated wave, moving the mucus and any trapped debris and pathogens upward toward the pharynx; prevents contaminants from reaching the delicate lungs

Thin, squamous epithelial cells that form the primary structure of the alveolar wall; main sites of gas exchange

Provide surfactant, a detergent-like substance that reduces surface tension and prevents the alveoli from collapsing after exhalation

Supplies the lungs with oxygenated blood

Inner layer that directly covers the surface of the lungs

Houses the lungs; contains a small amount of pleural fluid that reduces friction during breathing

The outer layer that lines the inside of the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the superior surface of the diaphragm

Breathing, involves a pressure gradient between the atmosphere and the alveoli

Diaphragm and intercostal muscles

The diaphragm contracts and flattens

The external intercostal muscles contract, lifting the ribcage

Increased volume of thoracic cavity

Decreased intra-pulmonary pressure below atmospheric pressure

Diaphragm and external intercostal muscles relax

Thoracic cavity volume decreases

Increased intra-pulmonary pressure above atmospheric pressure

In the brainstem; acts as the central respiratory center

Central and Peripheral Chemoreceptors, stretch receptors in the lungs, proprioceptors in muscles and joints

Albumins, Globulins, and Fibrinogen

Transport fatty acids, thyroid hormones, and steroids

Immunoglobulins and transport globulins

Clot formation

Broad, superior part of the heart where major vessels attach

The pointed, inferior portion of the heart

Endocardium, Myocardium (contracts), epicardium

Double-wall sac that encloses the heart

Parietal pericardium = outer layer; epicardium = inner layer

Carries blood between the heart and the lungs (right atrium --> left atrium)

Carries blood between the heart and the rest of the body (Left atrium --> right atrium)

Relays and intensifies the impulse from the SA node, introducing a slight delay to allow the atria to contract fully

Conducts the impulse from the AV node toward the ventricles

Spread the impulse throughout the ventricular myocardium, causing the ventricles to contract

Releases catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine)

Causes a positive chronotropic effect (increased heart rate)

Causes a positive inotropic effect (increased force of contraction)

Releases acetylcholine

Causes a negative chronotropic effect

Causes a negative inotropic effect

Primarily via the vagus nerve

systemic veins; hold most of the blood

The hypothalamus and pituitary gland

Hypothalamic neurons produce antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin (OXT). These hormones travel along axons to the posterior pituitary, where they are stored and released into the bloodstream. These are called neurosecretions

The hypothalamus produces releasing and inhibitory hormones that control the anterior pituitary. There, regulatory hormones travel via a specialized blood vessel network called the hypophyseal portal system to precisely regulate the anterior pituitary's hormone release

Autonomic centers in the hypothalamus exert nervous control over the adrenal medulla, influencing the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine

Located anterior to the trachea

Produces Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) which regulates metabolic rate

Produces Calcitonin (CT) which lowers blood calcium levels by inhibiting osteoclast activity

Four small glands embedded on the posterior surface of the thyroid

Produce Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) which raises blood calcium levels by stimulating osteoclasts, reducing calcium loss in urine, and promoting calcium absorption in the intestines via vitamin D activation

Medulla and Cortex

Part of the sympathetic nervous system

Produces epinephrine and norepinephrine

Produces cortisol, aldosterone (regulates blood pressure), and androgens (sex hormones)

Performs the endocrine role of the pancreas

secrete glucagon: raises blood glucose levels

Secrete insulin: lowers blood glucose levels

Secrete somatostatin: inhabits the secretion of both glucagon and insulin, slowing nutrient absorption

Secrete pancreatic polypeptide, which inhibits gallbladder contractions and regulates some pancreatic enzymes

Produces Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) and Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) in response to high blood pressure; inhibits ADH and aldosterone to lower blood pressure

Produce Erythropoietin (EPO) in response to low oxygen levels, which stimulates red blood cell production

Produces Renin, which raises blood pressure

Converts vitamin D into its active form calcitriol

Located in the epithalamus of the brain; produces melatonin

Produces leptin (appetite/fat storage) and resistin (insulin resistance)

Endocrine