Anatomy and Physiology: Respiratory System

Questions and Answers

How many lobes does the left lung have?

2 (correct)

What is the primary function of Type I pneumocyte cells?

Remove debris

Secrete surfactant

Provide structural support

Facilitate gas exchange (correct)

What is the result of cilia dysfunction due to smoking?

Dependence on coughing for clearing mucus (correct)

Enhanced ciliary movement

Increased mucus clearance

Improved air exchange in the lungs

What causes pleurisy?

Inflammation of pleurae Signup and view all the answers

What happens during ventilation-perfusion coupling in response to hypoxia?

Vasoconstriction occurs in poorly ventilated areas Signup and view all the answers

What role does the diaphragm play in the process of inhalation?

It is the prime mover of inhalation. Signup and view all the answers

How many segments can the lobes of the left lung be divided into?

8 to 10 Signup and view all the answers

According to Boyle's Law, what happens to the volume of a gas when its pressure increases?

The volume decreases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of Type II pneumocyte cells?

Secrete surfactant Signup and view all the answers

Which pressure is always found to be negative within the pleural cavity?

Intrapleural pressure Signup and view all the answers

How is atmospheric pressure described at sea level?

760 mm Hg Signup and view all the answers

What is pleural effusion?

Fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity Signup and view all the answers

What effect does contraction of respiratory muscles have on pressure changes within the lungs during inhalation?

Decreases intrapulmonary pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the pharynx?

To act as a passageway for air and food. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of over-relaxation of skeletal muscles in the pharynx?

Sleep apnea. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in rhinitis?

Inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is part of the conducting zone of the respiratory tract?

Trachea. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the epiglottis in the larynx?

To close the glottis during swallowing. Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical structure represents the Adam's apple?

Thyroid cartilage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the respiratory zone?

To serve as a site for gas exchange. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the larynx?

The voice box connecting the pharynx and trachea. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three processes required for respiration to occur?

Ventilation, external respiration, and internal respiration Signup and view all the answers

Which parts of the respiratory system are considered the upper respiratory system?

Nose, pharynx, and associated structures Signup and view all the answers

What function does the nasal cavity perform?

Filters, warms, and moistens air Signup and view all the answers

What role does the cardiovascular system play in respiration?

It assists by transporting gases Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is part of the lower respiratory system?

Trachea Signup and view all the answers

Which function is NOT associated with the nasal cavity?

Gas exchange Signup and view all the answers

How are oxygen and carbon dioxide transported in the blood?

By plasma and red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of cilia in the respiratory system?

Moving mucus and trapped particles Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of laryngitis?

Viral infections Signup and view all the answers

Which structure does the trachea branch into?

Primary bronchi Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature does the right main bronchus possess compared to the left?

It is wider, shorter, and more vertical. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the pleural cavity fluid?

To assist in expansion and recoil of lungs. Signup and view all the answers

At which location does the trachea trigger a reflexive coughing response?

Carina Signup and view all the answers

What does the base of the lungs rest on?

Diaphragm Signup and view all the answers

What is the end of the conducting zone in the respiratory system?

Terminal bronchioles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the larynx?

Absorbing oxygen from the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to the Respiratory System

Comprises anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system.
Involves processes of inhalation, exhalation, and gas exchange.
Includes transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Breathing and Respiration

Respiration involves gas exchange among the atmosphere, blood, and cells.
Requires three processes: ventilation (breathing), external respiration (pulmonary), and internal respiration (tissue).
The cardiovascular system aids in gas transportation.

Components of the Respiratory System

Divided into two structural parts: upper respiratory system (nose, pharynx) and lower respiratory system (larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs).
Functionally split into conducting zone (airways) and respiratory zone (gas exchange sites).

Upper Respiratory Tract

Nose and nasal cavity produce mucus for immune functions.
Filters, warms, and moistens inhaled air; contributes to speech and smell.
Pharynx serves as a passageway for air and food, houses tonsils for immune action.
Pharyngeal tonsils (adenoids) can affect sleep apnea when swollen.

Upper Respiratory Tract Inflammation

Rhinitis: inflammation of nasal mucosa can lead to sinusitis.

Lower Respiratory Tract

Conducting zone cleanses, warms, and humidifies air.
Respiratory zone, including respiratory bronchioles and alveoli, is where gas exchange occurs.

Larynx

Connects pharynx and trachea; contains vocal folds for sound production.
Important structures include:
- Thyroid cartilage (Adam's apple)
- Cricoid cartilage (ring-shaped)
- Glottis (lumen of larynx)
- Epiglottis (closes glottis during swallowing).

Larynx Inflammation

Laryngitis causes vocal fold swelling, leading to hoarseness or limited voice.

Trachea and Bronchi

The trachea connects larynx to primary bronchi; features C-shaped cartilage.
Divides into right (wider, shorter) and left bronchi entering respective lungs.
Bronchi branch into lobar bronchi and smaller airway structures.

Lungs

Paired thoracic organs, protected by pleural membranes.
Pleural cavity contains fluid for lubrication; assists lung expansion and recoil.
Each lung has lobes divided into segments; infections typically do not spread across segments.

Alveoli

Terminal structures for gas exchange surrounded by rich capillary networks.
Contain two pneumocyte types:
- Type I: thin cells for gas exchange.
- Type II: secrete surfactant to facilitate lung inflation.

Blood Supply to the Lungs

Blood enters via pulmonary and bronchial arteries; exits via pulmonary and bronchial veins.
Ventilation-perfusion coupling redirects blood flow from poorly to well-ventilated areas.

Upper Respiratory Disorders

Cilia dysfunction from smoking leads to mucus accumulation.
Pleurisy: inflammation of pleurae causing pain and possible pleural effusion (fluid accumulation).

Respiratory Physiology

Pulmonary ventilation involves air movement due to pressure changes from respiratory muscle activity.
Inhalation (inspiration) and exhalation (expiration) are key phases of breathing.

Boyle’s Law

Describes the inverse relationship between gas volume and pressure, governing inhalation and exhalation mechanics.

Diaphragm in Breathing

The diaphragm is the primary muscle for inhalation, adjusting its position during breathing cycles.

Pressures in Pulmonary Ventilation

Atmospheric pressure (Patm) at sea level is 760 mm Hg.
Intrapulmonary pressure (Ppul) varies with breathing; intrapleural pressure (Pip) remains negative to facilitate lung expansion.

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Description

Explore the intricate details of the respiratory system in this quiz. Learn about the anatomy, physiology, and the processes of inhalation, exhalation, and gas exchange. Perfect for students and professionals seeking to understand how oxygen and carbon dioxide function within the body.