Respiratory System Webquest
Introduction
The Respiratory System consists of a combination of organs, which allow the body to breathe. It combines with the cardiovascular system, also known as the circulatory system to bring oxygen to the cells of the body. It also works with together with the cardiovascular system to assist the human body in getting rid of waste products in the form of carbon dioxide. Although some may wonder how this whole process works, we never really look at it completely. We don’t realize just how complex it is for a human to survive. Oxygen is obtained from the atmosphere and brought to the cells of the body through an intricate process. We breathe constantly taking air in and out of our body, but are not always sure where the air actually goes and the how the body uses it. The air we breathe in travels through many different tubes before it reaches the cells of the human body.
Task
The anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system are extremely important in your education as a health care professional. It will give you a broad understanding of how the body obtains oxygen, removes waste products, and the importance of its vital function in keeping patients alive. It will also prepare you for future certification examinations. At the end of this assignment, you should like be able to describe and explain the structure and functions of the respiratory system as well as label a diagram of the respiratory system and list and describe some of the diseases and conditions that affect it.
This webquest is divided into two distinct parts for you to explore. Each task will require you to complete an assignment using the internet for your information.
The two tasks you will work on are as follows:
1. Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiratory System
2. Diseases and Disorders of the Respiratory System
Scroll down to see the content of your assignment.
Answer all of your questions on a word document and send it to Jeff.Breitkreutz@k12.sd.us when your webquest is done.
Resources – you may use websites other than just the ones listed!
Complete this online lesson for help in answering your questions - http://www.naturalhealthschool.com/heart_lungs.html
American Lung Association -
http://www.le.ac.uk/pathology/teach/va/anatomy/case2/frmst2.html
How Stuff Works -
http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/life/humanbiology/lung.htm
Part One: Anatomy & Physiology of the Respiratory System
1. Describe the function of the nasal and oral pharynx for breathing.
2. Describe the structure and function of the epiglottis.
3. Describe the structure and location of the trachea. Explain its function in relation to respiration.
4. Describe the structure and function of cartilage in the respiratory system.
5. Explain the function of the larynx.
6. Name and describe the two major branches of the airway to the lungs.
7. Explain the function of the lungs and the number of lobes.
8. Discuss the function of the alveoli. Describe their structure and location.
9. Describe the structure and location of the diaphragm. Explain its importance in relation to respiration.
10. Discuss the process of inhalation and describe how it occurs.
11. Discuss the process of exhalation and describe how it occurs.
12. Explain how gas exchange takes place in the lungs at the alveolar level.
13. Explain how gas exchange takes place at the cellular level.
14. What is the percentage of oxygen in the air we breathe from the atmosphere?
15. How do you know how often to breathe? What system of the body interacts with the respiratory system to control breathing?
16. What is the normal respiration rate?
17. Explain the structural differences in the respiratory anatomy of the adult from a child or infant.
Part Two: Diseases & Disorders of the Respiratory System