Monday, 28 March 2016

2.44 describe the structure of the thorax, including the ribs, intercostal muscles, diaphragm, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, and pleural membranes

The thorax is basically just the top part of your body, kind of...



When you breathe in, air goes into the trachea (the trachea is just your windpipe). It splits into two tubes called the bronchi, one bronchus goes into each lung. Cartilage supports the airways and keep them open (for breathing).


The bronchi split into smaller and smaller tubes, known as bronchioles.


The bronchioles end at a 'bag' called alveoli (this is where gas exchange takes place)

Pleural membrane surrounds the lungs, protecting them (along with the ribs. It is a continuous envelope around lungs, forming airtight seal.


The spaces between the two pleural membranes are called the pleural cavity. The pleural cavity filled with layer of liquid called pleural liquid which lubrication so lungs do not stick onto chest wall during breathing.

Ribs Protect the lungs (they are always the light coloured one and first one)

Intercostal muscles join ribs together. They contract and relax as air moves in and out of the lungs.

The diaphragm separates the thorax from the lower half of the body

Image source: igcse-biology

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