Predict what would happen to the tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume if the phrenic nerves were severed. Which muscles would contract to try to compensate for this?
Ch. 21 The Respiratory System
Amerman3rd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138247201, 9780138247928, 9780138201814Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 21, Problem 2
Air enters the lungs through the hollow passages known collectively as the _____, which terminate in grapelike clusters called _____. The lungs are encased in the ____ membranes.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Begin by identifying the anatomical structures involved in the respiratory system. Air enters the lungs through a series of hollow passages collectively known as the respiratory tract. These passages include the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.
Step 2: Understand the terminal structures of the respiratory tract. The bronchioles terminate in grapelike clusters called alveoli, which are the primary sites for gas exchange in the lungs.
Step 3: Learn about the protective membranes surrounding the lungs. The lungs are encased in the pleural membranes, which consist of two layers: the visceral pleura (attached to the lung surface) and the parietal pleura (lining the thoracic cavity).
Step 4: Review the function of each structure. The respiratory tract facilitates the movement of air, the alveoli enable oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, and the pleural membranes reduce friction during breathing.
Step 5: Fill in the blanks using the anatomical terms: respiratory tract, alveoli, and pleural membranes.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Respiratory Tract
The respiratory tract refers to the series of hollow passages that air travels through to reach the lungs. It includes the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles. This system is essential for filtering, warming, and humidifying the air before it enters the lungs.
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Alveoli
Alveoli are tiny, grapelike clusters of air sacs located at the end of the bronchioles in the lungs. They are the primary site for gas exchange, allowing oxygen to enter the bloodstream and carbon dioxide to be expelled. Their large surface area and thin walls facilitate efficient diffusion of gases.
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Pleural Membranes
The pleural membranes are two layers of tissue that encase the lungs, consisting of the visceral pleura (attached to the lungs) and the parietal pleura (lining the chest wall). These membranes create a pleural cavity filled with pleural fluid, which reduces friction during breathing and helps maintain lung expansion.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
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Textbook Question
Explain what would happen to the pressure inside a cylinder if you decreased its volume, according to Boyle's law.
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Textbook Question
Which of the following are functions of the respiratory system? Circle all that apply.
a. Providing for speech
b. Regulating the autonomic nervous system
c. Maintaining the acid-base balance of the blood
d. Temperature homeostasis
e. Raising the pressure in the abdominopelvic cavity
f. Assisting in blood pressure regulation
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Textbook Question
If you swallow a large bite of food without properly chewing it first, you will feel discomfort during ventilation. Explain this, considering the arrangement of the trachea and the esophagus.
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