Anatomy of the Respiratory System
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the thoracic cage?

  • To provide structure and protect thoracic contents (correct)
  • To aid in digestion and absorption of nutrients
  • To house the major blood vessels of the body
  • To facilitate nervous signal transmission

Which of the following best describes the thoracic cage?

  • Formed exclusively by the ribcage with no other components
  • Made up of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves
  • Contains only the lungs and pleura
  • Comprised of the sternum, ribs, and thoracic vertebrae (correct)

What term would describe an anatomical position that is closer to the feet?

  • Anterior
  • Superior
  • Inferior (correct)
  • Medial

Which of the following muscles are involved in respiration?

<p>Intercostal muscles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is NOT part of the thoracic cage?

<p>Lumbar vertebrae (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which process does the thoracic cage change its volume to allow lung expansion?

<p>Inhalation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical term refers to a position closer to the midline of the body?

<p>Medial (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major system's components are protected by the thoracic cage?

<p>Cardiovascular and respiratory systems (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of the epiglottis during swallowing?

<p>To prevent food from entering the trachea (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the pharynx is located posterior to the nasal cavities?

<p>Nasopharynx (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure allows air to pass into the trachea from the larynx?

<p>Vocal cords (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the laryngopharynx?

<p>It extends from the epiglottis to the top of the oesophagus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical feature is primarily responsible for the shared passage of air and food in the throat?

<p>Combined air and swallowing tubes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure is primarily involved in gas exchange in the respiratory system?

<p>Tracheobronchial tree (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the pharynx does the transition between the nasal cavity and the oral cavity occur?

<p>Oropharynx (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What function does the hard palate serve in the oral cavity?

<p>It separates the nasal cavity from the oral cavity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristics identify rib 1 as atypical?

<p>It articulates with only its corresponding vertebra. (C), It is shorter and wider than the other ribs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes rib 2 from rib 1?

<p>Rib 2 has a roughened area for muscle attachment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do ribs 11 and 12 relate to their corresponding vertebrae?

<p>They articulate only with their own vertebral bodies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ribs are classified as typical ribs?

<p>Ribs 3-9. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature do costovertebral joints provide?

<p>They allow for articulation between ribs and thoracic vertebrae. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of rib 10 makes it atypical?

<p>It features only one facet for articulation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the thoracic vertebrae change in size?

<p>They increase in size from superior to inferior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of surfaces do typical ribs possess?

<p>Two articular facets on the head. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many bronchopulmonary segments are found in the right lung?

<p>10 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary feature that distinguishes the left lung from the right lung?

<p>It has a deeper cardiac notch. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the pulmonary arteries primarily carry?

<p>Deoxygenated blood (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the hilum in relation to the lungs?

<p>It is the entrance for blood vessels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The aorta transitions into which artery after passing through the diaphragm?

<p>Abdominal aorta (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

From where do bronchial arteries typically arise?

<p>Thoracic aorta (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about pulmonary circulation is correct?

<p>Arteries carry deoxygenated blood. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following arteries does NOT supply blood to the upper limbs?

<p>Common carotids (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of surfactant in the alveoli?

<p>To prevent alveoli from collapsing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what gestational age does surfactant production typically begin in a developing fetus?

<p>24-28 weeks (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition is most likely to occur in premature babies due to insufficient surfactant?

<p>Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are primarily responsible for mucus production in the large airway epithelium?

<p>Goblet cells (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do type I and II alveolar epithelial cells contribute to gas exchange?

<p>By fusing to endothelial cells to form a barrier (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What morphological change occurs in the airway epithelium as it moves distally from the conducting zone to the respiratory zone?

<p>Transitions from pseudostratified to cuboidal (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical structure separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity?

<p>Diaphragm (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the lungs?

<p>To oxygenate blood (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure does the left bronchial vein drain into?

<p>Accessory hemiazygos vein (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of the enlargement of the inferior tracheobronchial lymph nodes?

<p>Carina becoming distorted (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the diaphragm is formed by muscle fibers that unite as a central tendon?

<p>Central tendon (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the diaphragm primarily innervated?

<p>Phrenic nerve (C3, C4, C5) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What movements increase the thoracic cavity size during inhalation?

<p>Anteroposterior and transverse increases (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which openings in the diaphragm allow for the passage of important structures?

<p>Three major openings (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the diaphragm originates from the lumbar vertebrae?

<p>Right crus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the relaxation of the diaphragm?

<p>Decrease in vertical size of thoracic cavity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of surfactant in the alveoli?

<p>To reduce surface tension and enable alveolar expansion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is lung compliance defined as?

<p>The change in lung volume per change in transpulmonary pressure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does air primarily move during ventilation?

<p>From areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structural feature contributes to the large surface area available for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange in the lungs?

<p>Density of capillaries wrapping around alveoli (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is likely to reduce lung compliance?

<p>Pulmonary fibrosis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does surface tension have on smaller alveoli compared to larger ones?

<p>It increases their tendency to collapse (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does elastic tissue in the lungs perform during exhalation?

<p>It aids the flow of air out of the lungs by recoiling (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is associated with a loss of lung elasticity?

<p>Emphysema (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are described as potential precursors to ciliated cells in the respiratory epithelium?

<p>Basal cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cell type occupies most of the alveolar surface area?

<p>Type I alveolar cells (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of alveolar connective tissue during gas exchange?

<p>To provide structural support and facilitate diffusion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the three processes required for respiration?

<p>Ventilation, external respiration, internal respiration (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which physiological factor influences gas exchange in the lungs?

<p>The surface area of the respiratory membranes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition is associated with a deficiency of surfactant, particularly in neonates?

<p>Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of type II alveolar cells?

<p>Surfactant production (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many breaths does a normal human take per minute at rest?

<p>12 to 15 breaths per minute (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor can lead to impaired gas exchange between the alveoli and pulmonary capillaries?

<p>Thickened alveolar membranes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the blood-gas barrier in the lungs described as extremely thin?

<p>To enhance gas diffusion between alveoli and capillaries (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In relation to alveolar structure, which cell type occupies about 7% of the alveolar surface?

<p>Type II cells (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which components make up the upper respiratory system?

<p>Nose, pharynx, and larynx (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which zone of the respiratory system is primarily responsible for gas exchange?

<p>Respiratory zone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What volume of air is typically inspired and expired in each breath?

<p>500 mls (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the cardiovascular system assist the respiratory system?

<p>By transporting gases between locations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during external (pulmonary) respiration?

<p>Oxygen enters the blood from the alveoli (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle governs the relationship between the volume of a gas and its pressure in the lungs?

<p>Boyle's Law (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle plays the most significant role in the act of inhalation?

<p>Diaphragm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is true about expiration at rest?

<p>Expiration is a passive process. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which activity does expiration become an active process?

<p>Exercising (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nerves are responsible for supplying the diaphragm?

<p>Phrenic nerves (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to air in the lungs when the volume of the thorax is decreased?

<p>Air is compressed and exhaled. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What indicates the difference in intrathoracic volume during respiration?

<p>Change in diaphragm position (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in the lungs during inhalation as the thoracic volume increases?

<p>Decrease in lung pressure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal ventilation-perfusion (V-Q) ratio for the whole lungs?

<p>0.8 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In an upright lung, where is the ventilation greater than perfusion?

<p>The apex (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with a decreased ventilation-perfusion ratio?

<p>Chronic bronchitis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is blood flow the greatest in the lungs of an upright person?

<p>At the base (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs to the tidal volume during inhalation at the base of the lungs?

<p>It is greater than at the apex. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions would likely lead to an increased ventilation-perfusion ratio?

<p>Pulmonary embolism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical effect leads to increased ventilation from the top to the bottom of the lungs?

<p>Gravity affecting lung tissue (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to limited gas exchange despite adequate blood flow reaching the alveoli?

<p>Decreased ventilation in chronic lung diseases (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What triggers an increase in the frequency and depth of breathing?

<p>Increased PCO2 and/or decreased PO2 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor influences respiratory control during exercise?

<p>Information from the motor cortex (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one additional function of the lungs aside from gas exchange?

<p>Act as immune system surveillance (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary receptor for the COVID-19 virus during its initial infection stage?

<p>ACE2 receptor (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about voluntary control of breathing is true?

<p>It is limited in extent. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do peripheral chemoreceptors have on respiratory control?

<p>They alter the respiratory control center's response to gas levels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when two triggers simultaneously occur regarding PCO2 and PO2 levels?

<p>The response is exponentially stronger than the sum of the individual effects. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do heparin-producing cells in the lungs serve?

<p>Trap small blood clots (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Thoracic Cage

The bony structure surrounding and protecting the heart and lungs.

Sternum

The flat bone located in the center of the chest.

Ribs

Twelve pairs of curved bones that connect to the thoracic vertebrae.

Thoracic Vertebrae

The set of bones in the upper back.

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Respiratory System

The system in the body responsible for breathing.

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Thoracic Cavity Contents

The heart and lungs are contained within the thoracic cavity.

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Respiratory Function

The thoracic cage changes volume to allow lung expansion during breathing.

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Respiratory Anatomy

Study of the structural components of the respiratory system

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Atypical Ribs

Ribs 1, 2, 10, 11, and 12; they have unique characteristics different from the typical ribs 3-9.

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Ribs 11 and 12

Articulate only with the bodies of their vertebrae, no tubercules or necks. Short, curved less, and pointed anteriorly.

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Typical Ribs

Ribs 3 through 9, exhibit the common structure and characteristics of most ribs.

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Costovertebral Joints

Joints connecting ribs to thoracic vertebrae, important for the anatomical structure of the rib cage.

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Hard Palate

The bony roof of the mouth, formed by the maxillae and palatine bones.

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Soft Palate

The soft, muscular part of the roof of the mouth that hangs down at the back of the throat.

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Uvula

The small, teardrop-shaped structure that hangs from the soft palate.

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Pharynx Parts

The pharynx can be divided into three parts: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

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Nasopharynx

The upper part of the pharynx, located behind the nasal cavity.

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Oropharynx

The middle part of the pharynx, located behind the oral cavity.

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Laryngopharynx

The lower part of the pharynx, connecting the oropharynx to the larynx.

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Epiglottis

A flap of cartilage that covers the opening of the trachea during swallowing.

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Surfactant's Role

Surfactant is a substance that reduces surface tension within the alveoli, preventing them from collapsing and sticking together.

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Premature Baby's Lungs

Premature babies may lack sufficient surfactant production, leading to Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) after birth.

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Conducting Zone

The part of the respiratory system from the nasal passage to the bronchi, lined with different types of epithelial cells.

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Respiratory Zone

The part of the respiratory system where gas exchange occurs, mainly within the alveoli.

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Goblet Cells

Goblet cells are specialized cells in the airway epithelium that produce and secrete mucus.

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Ciliated Cells

Ciliated cells are found in the airway epithelium and have hair-like projections called cilia that help move mucus.

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Club Cells

Club cells are found in the bronchioles and are responsible for secreting various substances that help maintain airway health.

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Gas Exchange Barrier

The thin barrier formed by the alveolar cells and endothelial cells, allowing for the exchange of gases between the blood and air.

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Lung lobes comparison

The right lung has three lobes (superior, middle, and inferior) while the left lung only has two (superior and inferior).

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Pulmonary circulation

The flow of blood from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart. Deoxygenated blood is carried from the heart to the lungs by pulmonary arteries, and oxygenated blood is carried from the lungs back to the heart by pulmonary veins.

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Hilum

The opening on the medial aspect (inside) of each lung where the bronchi, blood vessels, and nerves enter and exit.

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Thoracic Aorta

The main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart down through the chest and abdomen. Supplies blood to internal organs, muscles and tissues.

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Branches of the Thoracic Aorta

The thoracic aorta branches out to supply different parts of the body including the head and neck (common carotids), upper limbs (subclavian arteries), and chest, abdomen, pelvis, and limbs (descending aorta).

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Bronchial artery

Special artery supplying the trachea and bronchial tree. Branches from the thoracic aorta or the posterior intercostal arteries.

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Bronchial vein drainage

Veins that collect blood from the trachea and bronchial tree. Different drainage routes on the left and right sides.

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Trachea and bronchial tree blood supply

The trachea and bronchial tree need blood for their own function. They receive blood from the thoracic aorta.

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Inferior Tracheobronchial Lymph Nodes

These lymph nodes are located near the carina (the point where the trachea splits into the bronchi). When enlarged, they can cause a distortion and immobility of the carina, indicating potential pathology.

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Bronchoscope Function

A bronchoscope is a medical instrument used to visualize the inside of the airways (trachea and bronchi). It travels down the trachea and navigates around the carina to enter a specific bronchus.

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Diaphragm: Function

The diaphragm is the primary muscle involved in respiration. Its contraction and relaxation changes the volume of the thoracic cavity, drawing air in and out of the lungs.

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Diaphragm: Central Tendon

The central tendon of the diaphragm is a strong, fibrous structure located in the center of the diaphragm. It acts as the point of insertion for muscle fibers, which attach peripherally.

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Diaphragm: Nerves

The phrenic nerve, originating from the cervical spinal nerves C3, C4, and C5, controls the diaphragm. It is crucial for breathing as it provides the diaphragm with its motor innervation.

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Diaphragm: Attachments

The diaphragm attaches to the costal cartilages and ribs 7 through 12, the lumbar vertebrae and discs, and the xiphoid process of the sternum.

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Diaphragmatic Crura

The right and left crura are the parts of the diaphragm that arise from the vertebrae. The right crus extends from L1-L3, and the left crus from L1-L2.

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Alveolar Surface Area

The total area of the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. It's incredibly large, about 50-100 square meters, allowing for efficient gas exchange.

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Alveolar Pressure

The pressure inside an alveolus, which is increased by surface tension. Smaller alveoli have higher pressure, making them more likely to collapse.

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Surfactant

A substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing them from collapsing. It's crucial for lung expansion.

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Neonatal RDS

Respiratory distress syndrome in newborns caused by surfactant deficiency, making it difficult for their lungs to expand.

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Ventilation Principle

Air flow is driven by pressure differences. Air always moves from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure.

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Inspiration

The process of breathing in. It's achieved by creating a lower pressure inside the lungs.

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What is respiration?

Respiration is the process of gas exchange between the atmosphere, blood, and cells. It involves three main processes: ventilation (breathing), external respiration (gas exchange in the lungs), and internal respiration (gas exchange in tissues).

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What is ventilation?

Ventilation, also known as breathing, is the process of moving air in and out of the lungs. It involves the mechanical action of the respiratory muscles to create pressure differences that drive air flow.

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What is the role of surfactant?

Surfactant is a substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing them from collapsing and sticking together during breathing.

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What is the ventilation-perfusion ratio?

The ventilation-perfusion ratio (V/Q) represents the balance between air flow (ventilation) and blood flow (perfusion) in the lungs. It's a measure of how effectively the lungs are delivering oxygen to the blood.

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What is the Hilum of the lung?

The hilum is the indentation on the medial surface of each lung where the bronchi, blood vessels, and nerves enter and exit.

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Lung Compliance

The ease with which the lungs and chest wall can expand. It's measured as the change in lung volume per change in pressure.

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Factors Affecting Compliance

Conditions that make lung tissue stiffer, like pulmonary fibrosis, reduce lung compliance.

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Elasticity in Lungs

The lungs contain elastic tissue that stretches during inhalation. It recoils during exhalation, helping air flow out.

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Loss of Elasticity

Conditions like emphysema cause loss of lung elasticity, making breathing difficult.

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Alveoli Structure: Type I Cells

Type I cells line most of the alveolar surface. They're thin and flat for efficient gas exchange.

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Alveoli Structure: Type II Cells

Type II cells are smaller and more numerous. They produce surfactant, which prevents alveoli from collapsing.

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Gas Exchange Barrier: Alveoli vs. Capillaries

A thin barrier made up of alveolar cells and capillary walls allows gas exchange between air and blood.

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Transmission Electron Micrograph: Capillary Cross-Section

A high-resolution image shows a capillary in the lung, surrounded by alveoli. Red blood cells are visible.

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Boyle's Law

States that the volume of a gas is inversely proportional to its pressure. This means that as the volume of a gas decreases, the pressure increases, and vice-versa.

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Diaphragm

A dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. It's the main muscle of inspiration, contracting to increase lung volume.

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Phrenic Nerve

The nerve that controls the diaphragm, originating from the cervical spine (C3, C4, and C5).

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Intercostal Muscles

Muscles located between the ribs. They help with both inspiration and expiration.

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Abdominal Muscles

Muscles of the abdomen. They play a role in active expiration, helping push air out of the lungs.

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How does Boyle's Law affect breathing?

Boyle's Law explains the pressure changes that drive breathing. When the chest cavity expands, the lung volume increases, decreasing the pressure and causing air to rush in (inspiration). During exhalation, the chest contracts, decreasing lung volume, increasing pressure and pushing air out.

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Ventilation-Perfusion Coupling

The balanced relationship between the amount of air reaching the alveoli (ventilation) and the amount of blood flow to the alveoli (perfusion) for optimal gas exchange.

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Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio (V-Q Ratio)

The ratio of ventilation to perfusion, indicating the efficiency of gas exchange in different lung regions.

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V-Q Ratio in Upright Lungs

The V-Q ratio varies in different lung regions due to gravity. The apices have a higher ratio (more ventilation) than the bases (more perfusion).

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Factors Decreasing V-Q Ratio

Conditions that reduce ventilation or increase perfusion, limiting gas exchange and causing lower oxygen and higher carbon dioxide levels in blood.

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Chronic Bronchitis Effect on V-Q Ratio

Chronic bronchitis, with inflamed and constricted airways, reduces ventilation, leading to a decreased V-Q ratio and impaired gas exchange.

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Pulmonary Embolism Effect on V-Q Ratio

A blood clot in the lungs blocks blood flow, causing a decreased perfusion and thus an increased V-Q ratio in that region despite normal ventilation.

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Factors Increasing V-Q Ratio

Conditions that increase ventilation or decrease perfusion, resulting in more air reaching the alveoli than there is blood flow.

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Pulmonary Embolism: Impact on V-Q Ratio

A pulmonary embolism (blood clot) hinders blood flow in the lungs, resulting in increased ventilation and a decreased perfusion to an area. This causes an overall increase in V-Q ratio.

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Respiratory Control Center

Region in the brainstem that regulates breathing rate and depth by controlling the muscles involved.

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Peripheral Chemoreceptors

Specialized sensory cells located in the carotid arteries and aorta that detect changes in blood oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels.

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Carotid Body

A small cluster of chemoreceptors located at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery, sensitive to changes in blood oxygen levels.

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Respiratory Muscles

Muscles responsible for generating airflow in and out of the lungs, primarily the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

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Increased PCO2 or Decreased PO2

Elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood or reduced oxygen levels trigger an increase in breathing rate and depth.

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Voluntary Control of Breathing

Ability to consciously modify breathing patterns, for example, during speech or holding your breath.

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Emotion's Effect on Ventilation

Strong emotions can temporarily alter breathing patterns, leading to increased or decreased ventilation.

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Motor Cortex's Role in Breathing

During physical activity, the motor cortex sends signals to the respiratory control center, increasing ventilation to meet the body's oxygen demands.

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Study Notes

Anatomy of the Respiratory System

  • The respiratory system is divided into upper and lower parts
  • Upper respiratory system includes the nose, nasal passages, paranasal sinuses, and part of the pharynx above the vocal cords
  • Lower respiratory system includes the larynx below the vocal cords, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs
  • The bony thoracic cage protects the internal thoracic viscera (heart and lungs) and changes its volume during inhalation/exhalation to allow the lungs to expand.
  • The thoracic cage is made up of the sternum, 12 pairs of ribs, and thoracic vertebrae.

Terminology Recap

  • Superior: Towards the head
  • Inferior: Towards the feet
  • Anterior/Ventral: Towards the front
  • Posterior/Dorsal: Towards the back
  • Medial: Closer to the midline
  • Lateral: Further away from the midline
  • Proximal: Closer to the trunk
  • Distal: Further away from the trunk
  • Superficial: Closer to the surface of the body
  • Deep: Closer to the center of the body

Learning Outcomes

  • M1.I.RES.ANA1: Outline the anatomy and histology of the respiratory tract and tracheobronchial tree.
  • M1.I.RES.ANA2: Describe the anatomical features of the lungs, including major neurovascular supply.
  • M1.I.RES.ANA3: Outline the primary and accessory muscles involved in respiration and the mechanism of breathing.
  • M1.I.RES.ANA4: Describe the structures of the thoracic cage and outline the divisions and major contents of the thoracic cavity.
  • M1.I.RES.ANA5: Outline the anatomical positions and relationships of thoracic structures in relation to surface anatomy.

The Nasal Cavity

  • Air enters the nose via the nasal cavity.
  • Nasal conchae are bony projections lined with mucosa increasing the surface area to warm, humidify, and filter the air.
  • The nasal cavity has superior, middle, and inferior nasal conchae.

The Oral Cavity

  • The oral cavity acts as an air inlet and lies inferior to the nasal cavity.
  • It's bordered by a hard palate superiorly and a soft palate posteriorly.
  • The soft palate ends in the uvula.

The Pharynx

  • The pharynx is a part of the respiratory and digestive systems.
  • It's divided into three parts: Nasopharynx(posterior to nasal cavities), Oropharynx (posterior to oral cavity), and Laryngopharynx (extends from superior margin of epiglottis to top of esophagus).

The Tracheobronchial Tree

  • The trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles form the tracheobronchial tree, a system of airways allowing passage of air into the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Laryngeal Cartilage

  • The larynx contains vocal cords that vibrate to create sound.
  • Air travels from the larynx into the trachea.

The Ribs

  • Ribs are a set of 12 pairs of bones that form the protective cage of the thorax.
  • Ribs 1-7 are true ribs, articulating directly with the sternum via costal cartilages.
  • Ribs 8-10 are false ribs, as their costal cartilages attach to the costal cartilages of the ribs above them.
  • Ribs 11-12 are floating ribs, with no anterior connection to the sternum or other ribs.
  • Typical ribs have a head, neck, and body(shaft).
  • Atypical ribs have variations in features (e.g., Rib 1, 2, 10, 11 and 12)

The Sternum

  • The sternum is a flat bone located anteriorly in the thoracic cage.
  • It has three parts: Manubrium, Body, and Xiphoid process.
  • The sternal angle(angle of Louis) is where the manubrium and body meet, marking the level of the T4 vertebra.

The Bronchi

  • The trachea bifurcates (divides) into two primary bronchi (left and right)
  • The right primary bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left.

The Secondary Bronchi

  • The primary bronchi further divide into secondary (lobar) bronchi.
  • The right lung has three secondary bronchi, and the left has two.

The Tertiary Bronchi

  • The secondary bronchi further divide into tertiary (segmental) bronchi, usually 10 for each lung.

Terminal and Respiratory Bronchioles

  • Terminal bronchioles have no cartilage.
  • Respiratory bronchioles branch from terminal bronchioles, leading to alveolar ducts and alveoli (air sacs).

Alveoli

  • Tiny air sacs where gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) takes place.
  • The walls of the alveoli are lined with simple squamous epithelium(pneumocytes).
  • Surfactant is a substance secreted by type 2 pneumocytes that reduces surface tension in alveoli preventing them from collapsing.

The Pleura

  • Each lung is enclosed in a serous membrane called a pleura. Consists of a parietal pleura (outer layer, attached to thoracic cavity) and a visceral pleura (inner layer, attached to the lung).
  • The thin space between the layers is the pleural cavity which contains pleural fluid.
  • Pleural fluid enables smooth movement of the lungs during breathing by reducing friction.

Lobes of the Lungs

  • The lungs are divided into lobes, three in the right lung and two in the left
  • The lobes are separated by fissures (oblique and horizontal).

The Hilum of the Lungs

  • The hilum is a medial aspect of each lung where the bronchi, blood vessels, and nerves enter and exit.

Bronchopulmonary Segments

  • The lungs are further divided into segments (10 segments per lung) for independent removal or assessment.

Pulmonary Circulation

  • Arteries carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
  • Veins carry oxygenated blood from the lungs.

The Diaphragm

  • The diaphragm is the most important muscle of respiration.
  • It separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.
  • It's innervated by the phrenic nerve (C3, C4, C5).

Intercostal Muscles

  • The intercostal muscles are located between the ribs, and assist in the movement of the ribs during breathing.
  • External intercostals are the most superficial layer, contraction elevates the ribs aiding inhalation.
  • Internal intercostals are the middle layer, contraction pulls ribs closer together aiding forced exhalation.
  • Innermost intercostals are the deepest layer, also aiding in forced exhalation.

Neurovascular Supply to Intercostal Spaces

  • Intercostal nerves, arteries, and veins run through the costal groove on the inferior aspect of each rib.

Accessory Muscles of Respiration

  • Accessory muscles aid in inhalation(e.g. sternocleidomastoid, scalene, pectoralis minor)
  • Accessory muscles aid in exhalation (e.g. external oblique, internal oblique, transversus abdominis, rectus abdominis)

Openings in the Diaphragm

  • The diaphragm contains openings for the Inferior vena cava, Aorta, and Esophagus to allow for passage between thoracic and abdominal cavities

Chest X-Ray

  • Structures visible in a chest X-Ray include clavicles, ribs, lung lobes, trachea, and more.

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Explore the intricate anatomy of the respiratory system, including its division into upper and lower parts. This quiz covers key structures like the nasal passages, larynx, trachea, and the protective thoracic cage. Understanding the directional terminology will enhance your knowledge of respiratory anatomy.

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