Respiratory System: Structure and Gas Exchange
Human Respiratory System
Anatomy
Nose: Organ containing the nostrils, which are two cavities separated by a septum. These form the nasal cavity. The interior is lined with a mucous membrane containing hairs, cilia, and glands that produce mucus. The mucus moistens the air and filters out dust particles. The blood in the capillaries warms the air.
Pharynx or throat: Muscular tube connected to the nasal cavity and the mouth. It forms part of both the digestive and respiratory systems. It contains almond-
Read MoreStem Cells, Genetic Engineering, and GMOs: Key Concepts
Stem Cells: Types and Applications
1 – Embryo Cryopreservation: Embryos are frozen in liquid nitrogen at -160ºC. This process stops the vital functions of the embryo without causing death.
2 – Legal and Ethical Considerations in Spain: Spanish legislation prohibits choosing the sex or any other characteristics of children. However, embryo selection is permitted in specific cases, such as:
- To prevent genetic abnormalities in children: If a hereditary disease is sex-linked, the sex of implanted embryos
Hemoglobin and Oxygen Transport in the Human Body
Hemoglobin’s Capacity for Oxygen Transport
As illustrated, the blood vessel carrying plasma Hemoglobin (Hb) (right) demonstrates a higher capacity to capture oxygen molecules from the alveoli. This is because each Hb molecule can carry four O2 molecules, in addition to the oxygen particles that are dissolved in the plasma. In contrast, the blood vessel carrying only dissolved oxygen in plasma (left) carries fewer O2 particles. Consequently, the oxygen-carrying capacity is significantly greater for
Read MoreCellular Processes and Structures: An In-Depth Look
Cellular Processes and Structures
Protein Structure and Transport
Irregular proteins, like surface fiber aggregates, can achieve long filament forms, such as collagen. Quaternary structures involve the interaction of two or more different proteins, such as antibodies. When a protein synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) is not transported to the Golgi complex, it is directed to a capsule.
Types of Vesicular Transport
- Nuclear Pore (Selective Diffusion): Occurs between continuous compartments.
Arthropods: Characteristics, Classes, and Vital Functions
Arthropods: Characteristics and Classification
Arthropods are characterized by their articulated legs, which influence their speed for food acquisition and predator protection. They are the most numerous species, exhibiting triploblastic acoelomate organization. A key feature is their chitinous exoskeleton, which is shed during development in a process called ecdysis.
Classes within Phylum Arthropoda
Class Insecta
Examples include grasshoppers, flies, butterflies, bees, and mosquitoes. Their bodies
Understanding the Human Respiratory System
Respiratory System
The respiratory system is responsible for providing oxygen to the blood, for distribution to all body tissues. Cellular metabolism in the body forms a gaseous compound called carbon dioxide, which is useless and very toxic. Therefore, it should be eliminated, which is also a function of this system.
Upper and Lower Airways
The respiratory system consists mainly of two large sections, also known as the upper and lower airway.
The upper airway consists of the mouth and nostrils, pharynx,
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