Lesson 2: Respiratory System Functions

Janet smoked cigarettes since she was sixteen. Now at age 45, she suffers from shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, sleep and heart problems, weight less, and depression. Her condition is caused by a chronic lung condition that affects the alveoli. Janet suffers from:

Emphysema.

Select the answer below that describes how the lungs are kept free of germs and dirk from the air.

Mucus found in the bronchial tubes collects dirt and germs that gets into your lungs. Tiny hairs called cilia work to sweep out the debris collected to keep your lungs clean.

The primary function of the _ is to supply the blood with oxygen so that the blood can deliver oxygen to all parts of the body.

Respiratory System

External respiration takes place in the _.

Alveoli

Both marijuana and tobacco smoke contain _, which are substances that cause cancer.

Carcinogens

The term "a smoker's cough" refers to _, which is caused by a long-term inflammation of the bronchi.

Chronic bronchitis

The _ is a strong wall of muscle that contracts to create a suction in the chest to draw in air and expand the lungs. When the muscle relaxes, the chest cavity decreases and the air is pushed out.

Diaphragm

Oxygen is carried by the _, which is part of the red blood cell.

Hemoglobin

Which of the following statements vest describes how oxygen enters the lungs?

Oxygen enters the lungs through the trachea, which branches into two tubes called the bronchi, which lead to the lungs.

Which of the following statements if not true?

People who quit smoking cannot reverse any of the damage that has been done to their lungs over an extended period of time.