Anatomy of the Respiratory System

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Questions and Answers

What function does the epiglottis serve during swallowing?

It opens the airway.

It connects the trachea to the bronchi.

It vibrates to produce sound.

It covers the opening of the larynx. (correct)

Which cartilage is commonly referred to as the Adam's apple?

Cricoid cartilage

Tracheal cartilage

Epiglottis

Thyroid cartilage (correct)

What triggers the cough reflex within the respiratory tree?

Vibration of the vocal cords

Irritation of sensory receptors in the Carina (correct)

Movement of air through the trachea

Expansion of the esophagus during swallowing

What is the primary role of the cricothyroidotomy procedure?

To create an emergency airway in obstruction cases Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the respiratory bronchioles?

They are the starting point of the respiratory zone. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes pulmonary ventilation from other respiratory processes?

It is the movement of air in and out of the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

What processes does respiration include?

Five distinct processes including gas exchange and transportation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of cellular respiration?

To oxidize food molecules into ATP, CO2, and H2O Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the conducting zone in the respiratory system?

Air is warmed, humidified, and filtered Signup and view all the answers

Which structure does NOT belong to the upper respiratory tract?

Bronchi Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelium lines the vestibule of the nasal cavity?

Keratinised stratified squamous epithelium Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the pharynx is responsible for housing the common path for food and air?

Oropharynx Signup and view all the answers

Which function is NOT associated with the paranasal sinuses?

Gas exchange Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the respiratory tract is lined with sensory cells for smell?

Nasal cavity Signup and view all the answers

In which region does the epithelium change from stratified squamous to non-keratinised?

Laryngopharynx to esophagus Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of goblet cells in the respiratory epithelium?

To trap pathogens and debris Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anatomical Divisions of the Respiratory System

The respiratory system is divided into the upper and lower respiratory tracts.
The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and pharynx.
The lower respiratory tract includes the larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.

Conducting Zone

The conducting zone consists of all structures from the nose to the terminal bronchioles, including the nasal cavity, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.
The conducting zone is responsible for air passage only; no gas exchange occurs here.

Respiratory Zone

The respiratory zone includes the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli.
The respiratory zone is where gas exchange takes place.

Nasal Cavity

The nasal cavity houses three turbinate bones (nasal conchae) and nasal meatuses.
The conchae increase the surface area and create turbulent airflow to warm, humidify, and clean the air before it reaches the lungs.
The vestibule of the nasal cavity is lined with keratinized stratified squamous epithelium to resist scratching and abrasion.
The olfactory mucosa, found on the roof of the nasal cavity, contains sensory cells responsible for the sense of smell.
The posterior portion of the nasal cavity is lined with respiratory epithelium, which is ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium with goblet cells.
Goblet cells secrete mucus to trap dust, debris, and pathogens.
Cilia beat in unison towards the pharynx to remove mucus and foreign particles.

Paranasal Sinuses

The paranasal sinuses are hollow cavities in the facial bones connected to the nasal cavity.
They contribute to warming, humidifying, and filtering air, as well as lightening the skull and enhancing voice resonance.

Pharynx

The pharynx is divided into three parts: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.
The nasopharynx is lined with respiratory epithelium and helps with warming, humidifying, and filtering air.
The oropharynx is located behind the oral cavity and serves as a common passageway for food and air. It is lined with non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.
The laryngopharynx extends from the epiglottis to the esophagus, also serving as a common passageway for food and air. The stratified squamous epithelium transitions to non-keratinized in this region.

Larynx

The larynx, also known as the voice box, is supported by cartilage, ligaments, and muscles.
The thyroid cartilage enlarges to form the Adam's apple in males after puberty. It is made of smooth hyaline cartilage.
The epiglottis is a leaf-like elastic cartilage that covers the opening of the larynx (glottis) during swallowing, preventing food and drink from entering the airways.
The cricoid cartilage, another hyaline cartilage, is located below the thyroid cartilage. The two are connected by a membrane that can be surgically accessed in emergencies to secure an airway (cricothyroidotomy).
Vocal cords (folds) are membranous tissues that extend from the sides of the larynx, forming the glottis. The passage of air through the glottis vibrates the vocal cords, producing sound and speech.

Respiratory Tree

The lower respiratory tract resembles an upside-down tree and is known as the respiratory tree or tracheobronchial tree.
The trachea is a 10-12 cm long, 2 cm wide hollow tube that passes through the mediastinum.
It is kept open by C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings, with an elastic connective tissue and smooth muscle (trachealis muscle) completing the ring at the back.
This soft tissue protects the esophagus, located behind the trachea, and allows it to expand during swallowing.
The carina is the last tracheal cartilage ring, located where the trachea branches into the two primary bronchi. It is covered with mucous membrane and contains many sensory receptors.
Irritation of these receptors triggers a violent cough reflex to prevent unwanted particles from entering the lungs.
Respiratory bronchioles, with a diameter less than 0.5 mm, mark the beginning of the respiratory zone and branch into alveolar ducts, which lead to alveoli (air sacs) that resemble a bunch of grapes.

Respiration

Respiration provides every cell with oxygen (O2) and removes carbon dioxide (CO2) for ATP production.
It involves five distinct processes:

Pulmonary ventilation (respiratory system)

Movement of air in and out of the lungs.

External respiration (Pulmonary gas exchange - Respiratory system)

Gas exchange between alveolar air and blood.

Gas transport (Cardiovascular system)

Transport of O2 and CO2 in blood.

Internal respiration (Tissue gas exchange - Cardiovascular system)

Gas exchange between blood and tissues/cells.

Cellular respiration

The process of oxidizing food molecules into ATP, CO2, and H2O (occurs in every cell).

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Description

This quiz covers the anatomical divisions of the respiratory system, focusing on the upper and lower respiratory tracts. It will test your knowledge of the conducting and respiratory zones, including their functions and structures. Prepare to delve into the details of the nasal cavity and its role in air processing.