Respiratory SystemATI TEAS 7 cheat sheet

Airway to alveoli

9 key facts 5 practice questions Reviewed Oct 2026

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The Path

Nose/mouth → pharynx → larynx → trachea
Trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli
The epiglottis covers the larynx when you swallow

Gas Exchange

Happens in the alveoli, across a one-cell wall
O₂ in, CO₂ out — by diffusion, high to low
Surfactant keeps alveoli from collapsing

Mechanics

Diaphragm contracts and flattens → chest volume up → air in
Relaxation → volume down → air out (passive)

Control

Breathing rate is driven mainly by CO₂ levels, not oxygen

Key takeaway

Airway to alveoli

Before you read

Test yourself first: 5 questions

Question 1 of 5

The main function of the respiratory system is to:

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