Respiratory Anatomy 1.6

Tracheal Structure

• The trachea's walls are reinforced with C-shaped cartilage, which are incomplete rings.
• The C-shaped cartilage prevents the trachea from collapsing.
• The cartilage allows for flexibility to accommodate movement and the passage of food in the oesophagus, which is located adjacent to the trachea.
• The Trachealis muscle bridges the gap between the ends of the C-shaped cartilage rings.

Tracheal Structure

• The trachea's walls are reinforced with C-shaped cartilage, which are incomplete rings.
• The C-shaped cartilage prevents the trachea from collapsing.
• The cartilage allows for flexibility to accommodate movement and the passage of food in the oesophagus, which is located adjacent to the trachea.
• The Trachealis muscle bridges the gap between the ends of the C-shaped cartilage rings.

Tracheal Structure

• The trachea's walls are reinforced with C-shaped cartilage, which are incomplete rings.
• The C-shaped cartilage prevents the trachea from collapsing.
• The cartilage allows for flexibility to accommodate movement and the passage of food in the oesophagus, which is located adjacent to the trachea.
• The Trachealis muscle bridges the gap between the ends of the C-shaped cartilage rings.

Respiratory System Structure

• The trachea divides into left and right primary bronchi, one to each lung.
• Primary bronchi divide into bronchi that go to each lung lobe.
• These bronchi then divide into lobar bronchi, one to each lung lobe.
• Lobar bronchi further divide into hundreds of smaller bronchioles.
• Bronchioles have muscular walls with cartilage, allowing for constriction and dilation when needed.
• Bronchioles lead to alveolar ducts, which are small airways that terminate at alveoli.
• Constriction of bronchioles due to allergies can cause asthma.

Respiratory System Structure

• The trachea divides into left and right primary bronchi, one to each lung.
• Primary bronchi divide into bronchi that go to each lung lobe.
• These bronchi then divide into lobar bronchi, one to each lung lobe.
• Lobar bronchi further divide into hundreds of smaller bronchioles.
• Bronchioles have muscular walls with cartilage, allowing for constriction and dilation when needed.
• Bronchioles lead to alveolar ducts, which are small airways that terminate at alveoli.
• Constriction of bronchioles due to allergies can cause asthma.

Bronchi and Bronchioles

• The trachea divides into left and right primary bronchi, one to each lung.
• Primary bronchi divide into bronchi that go to each lung lobe.
• These bronchi then divide into lobar bronchi, one to each lung lobe.
• Lobar bronchi further divide into hundreds of smaller bronchioles.
• Bronchioles have muscular walls with cartilage, allowing for constriction and dilation if needed.
• Bronchioles eventually terminate at alveoli through alveolar ducts.
• Constriction of bronchioles can cause asthma, often triggered by allergies.

Bronchi and Bronchioles

• The trachea divides into left and right primary bronchi, one to each lung.
• Primary bronchi divide into bronchi that go to each lung lobe.
• These bronchi then divide into lobar bronchi, one to each lung lobe.
• Lobar bronchi further divide into hundreds of smaller bronchioles.
• Bronchioles have muscular walls with cartilage, allowing for constriction and dilation if needed.
• Bronchioles eventually terminate at alveoli through alveolar ducts.
• Constriction of bronchioles can cause asthma, often triggered by allergies.

Lung Structure

• The left and right lungs are composed of multiple lung lobes.
• Lung lobes are made up of millions of tiny alveoli.

Alveoli

• Alveoli are tiny air sacs located at the end of bronchioles.
• Gas exchange takes place in alveoli.
• The singular form of alveoli is alveolus.
• The lining of alveoli is only one epithelial cell thick.
• Each alveolus is surrounded by a dense network of capillaries.
• Each alveolus contains a small amount of surfactant, a liquid that prevents alveoli from collapsing and sticking together.

Lung Structure

• The left and right lungs are composed of multiple lung lobes.
• Lung lobes are made up of millions of tiny alveoli.

Alveoli

• Alveoli are tiny air sacs located at the end of bronchioles.
• Gas exchange takes place in alveoli.
• The singular form of alveoli is alveolus.
• The lining of alveoli is only one epithelial cell thick.
• Each alveolus is surrounded by a dense network of capillaries.
• Each alveolus contains a small amount of surfactant, a liquid that prevents alveoli from collapsing and sticking together.

Lung Structure

• The left and right lungs are composed of multiple lung lobes.
• Lung lobes are made up of millions of tiny alveoli.

Alveoli

• Alveoli are tiny air sacs located at the end of bronchioles.
• Gas exchange takes place in alveoli.
• The singular form of alveoli is alveolus.
• The lining of alveoli is only one epithelial cell thick.
• Each alveolus is surrounded by a dense network of capillaries.
• Each alveolus contains a small amount of surfactant, a liquid that prevents alveoli from collapsing and sticking together.

Gas Exchange in Alveoli

• Gas exchange occurs between alveoli and surrounding capillaries
• Two main gases involved in gas exchange: oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2)

Features of Alveoli for Efficient Gas Exchange

• Large number of alveoli present
• Each alveolus is surrounded by a large number of capillaries in close proximity
• Alveoli have a single layer of epithelial cells, making them only one cell thick
• Capillary walls have a single layer of endothelial cells, making them only one cell thick
• Thin walls and large number of alveoli result in a massive surface area for gas exchange

Gas Exchange in Alveoli

• Gas exchange occurs between alveoli and surrounding capillaries
• Two main gases involved in gas exchange: oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2)

Features of Alveoli for Efficient Gas Exchange

• Large number of alveoli present
• Each alveolus is surrounded by a large number of capillaries in close proximity
• Alveoli have a single layer of epithelial cells, making them only one cell thick
• Capillary walls have a single layer of endothelial cells, making them only one cell thick
• Thin walls and large number of alveoli result in a massive surface area for gas exchange

Gas Exchange in Alveoli

• Gas exchange occurs between alveoli and surrounding capillaries
• Two main gases involved in gas exchange: oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2)

Features of Alveoli for Efficient Gas Exchange

• Large number of alveoli present
• Each alveolus is surrounded by a large number of capillaries in close proximity
• Alveoli have a single layer of epithelial cells, making them only one cell thick
• Capillary walls have a single layer of endothelial cells, making them only one cell thick
• Thin walls and large number of alveoli result in a massive surface area for gas exchange

Learn about the structure and function of the trachea, including the C-shaped cartilage and Trachealis muscle. Understand how they work together to prevent collapse and facilitate movement.