Anatomical Structures

Respiratory System, Lab
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1. Identify and describe the anatomical structures that allow for internal and external respiration to occur in humans.
Respiration is the process by which oxygen is absorbed from the environment, especially carbon dioxide removed where there is gas exchange. Respiration can occur as external respiration (the gas exchange between the blood and the air-filled chambers of the lungs or as internal respiration (exchange of gases between systemic blood and tissue cells (Marieb & Smith, 2016).
In internal respiration, there is the contraction of the diaphragm and expansion of intercostal muscles. The increase follows this in the volume of the thorax, then lung expansion. After this, there is a drop in the intrapulmonary pressure and absorption of oxygen from outside. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that lies horizontally under the rib cage, and it moves movement during inspiration.
External respiration is the gas exchange between the blood and the air-filled chambers of the lungs (oxygen loading/ carbon dioxide unloading) (Marieb & Smith, 2016). External respiration begins with pulmonary ventilation (breathing) and gas diffusion across the blood air barrier and between blood and interstitial fluids Marieb & Smith, 2016). The process ends when here is transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide between alveolar and peripheral capillaries (Marieb & Smith, 2016). In other words, the relaxation of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles is necessary before there is reduction of the volume of the thorax and the lungs contract (Marieb & Smith, 2016). This facilitates increased intrapulmonary pressure and expulsion of carbon dioxide present in the body. When the diaphragm and the external intercostals relax pressure in the thoracic cavity increases, the volume decreases and forces air out of the lungs through expiration (Marieb & Smith, 2016). Inspiration is an active process since there is muscle contraction an...