18 Questions
What separates the nasopharynx from the oral cavity?
Soft Palate
In which part of the pharynx does inhaled air pass through the glottis into the pharynx?
Laryngopharynx
Which cartilage forms a complete circle and protects the glottis and entrance to the trachea?
Cricoid Cartilage
What is the function of vestibular folds in the larynx?
Prevent foreign objects from entering the vocal folds
Between which levels does the trachea begin and attach to the cricoid cartilage?
C5 to C6
Where does the carina lie in relation to the trachea's entrance to the bronchi?
At the bifurcation of the trachea
Which structure in the upper respiratory system divides the right and left portions of the nasal cavity?
Nasal septum
Which region of the pharynx connects the nose, mouth, and throat?
Pharynx
What type of epithelium lines the entire respiratory tract, except the inferior portion of the pharynx?
Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
Which structure in the upper respiratory system lies along the lateral walls and causes turbulence in the incoming air?
Nasal conchae
What cells produce a sticky substance that bathes the exposed surfaces in the respiratory tract and collects debris and microorganisms?
Mucous cells
Which region of the pharynx is shared by both the respiratory and digestive systems?
Pharynx
Which of the following structures in the respiratory system does not play a role in the passage of air from the nasal cavity to the lungs?
Alveoli
What is the function of mucous cells in the respiratory tract?
To moisten and protect the respiratory tract
Which structure is located at the base of the neck and is superior to the first rib?
Lung apex
Which region of the respiratory tract is located posterior to the nasal cavity and superior to the oropharynx?
Nasopharynx
How many lobes does the left lung have?
Two
Which of the following structures plays a role in the passage of air and the production of sound?
Laryngopharynx
Study Notes
Overview of the Respiratory System
- The respiratory system consists of nose, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, larynx, pharynx, trachea, smaller air passages, and alveoli.
- The system is divided into upper and lower respiratory systems.
- The upper respiratory system conditions the air, removing foreign particles and adjusting temperature and humidity.
Functions of the Respiratory System
- Provides area of gas exchange
- Moves air to/from exchange surfaces of lungs
- Protects respiratory surfaces from dehydration and temperature changes
- Defends against pathogens
- Produces sound (speaking)
- Helps regulate blood volume, pressure, and pH
Respiratory Epithelium
- A pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with numerous mucous cells
- Lines the entire respiratory tract except the inferior portion of the pharynx and smallest conducting passages
- Produces mucous that collects debris and microorganisms, part of the respiratory defense system
Upper Respiratory System
- The nose is the primary passageway for air entering the body
- The nasal septum divides the right and left portions of the nasal cavity
- The superior, middle, and inferior nasal conchae (turbinate) lie along the lateral walls
- The pharynx connects the nose, mouth, and throat, shared by the respiratory and digestive systems
- Divided into three regions: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx
Lower Respiratory System
- The larynx has three large, unpaired cartilages: thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis
- The vocal folds produce sound, and the vestibular folds do not produce sound
- The trachea is a tough, flexible tube that branches to form the left and right main bronchi
- The main bronchi are functionally the same, providing air to the left and right lungs
The Lungs
- Situated in the left and right plural cavities
- Each lung is a blunt cone with the tip, apex, pointing superiorly
- The right lung has three lobes: superior, middle, and inferior
- The left lung has two lobes: superior and inferior
Bronchial Tree and Alveoli
- The bronchial tree divides into secondary, lobar, bronchi, then tertiary, segmental, bronchi
- Each segmental bronco divides several times, forming bronchioles that branch to form terminal bronchioles
- Alveoli are connected to a single bronchiole through alveolar ducts
- Each lung has around 150 million alveoli, where gas exchange occurs across the blood-air barrier
Learn about the anatomy of the pharynx and larynx, including the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx. Understand how these structures are connected and their functions in relation to the respiratory and digestive systems.
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