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. You will work in groups of two to explore the
respiratory system using interactive internet websites to gain your information and knowledge.
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 Conditions of the Respiratory System
The assignment begins on the next page of this document. Answer all of your questions on a
word document and send it to me when the 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.lungusa.org/
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
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
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Choose 3 diseases of the respiratory system and list them.
For each disease give the cause, symptoms, and treatment.
Explain each medical procedure involved in treatment in detail.