Bio III Respiratory System Functions

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Questions and Answers

What are the functions of the respiratory system?

Gas exchange, Speech, Smell, Helps control pH of body, Aids in regulation of blood pressure, Pressure for flow of lymph fluid and venous blood, Expulsion of abdominal contents.

What is the difference between the structural organization and the functional organization of the respiratory system?

Structural organization includes the upper and lower respiratory tract, while functional organization includes the conducting and respiratory zones.

Describe the structure of the mucosa that lines the respiratory tract.

It consists of epithelium resting on a basement membrane and underlying areolar connective tissue.

What are the structural changes of the mucosa observed along its length?

Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium in upper regions, simple ciliated columnar epithelium in segmental bronchi, simple ciliated cuboidal epithelium in small bronchioles, and simple squamous epithelium in alveoli. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the function of mucus produced by the mucosa.

It traps dust, dirt particles, microorganisms, pollen, and pollution, and contains antibodies and lysozyme. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the conducting and respiratory zones?

The conducting zone transports air into and out of the lungs; the respiratory zone allows for gas exchange between the lungs and the blood. Signup and view all the answers

Is the trachea in the upper or lower respiratory tract?

Lower Signup and view all the answers

What is sputum?

Basically a loogie. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the structure and function of the nose.

The structure includes nasal bones, maxillae, and frontal bone; its functions include olfaction, respiration, dust filtration, and humidification of air. Signup and view all the answers

Provide a general description of the structure and function of the nasal cavity.

A large air-filled space above and behind the nose; functions to warm, moisturize, and filter air before it reaches the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the structure and function of the four paired paranasal sinuses.

They are air-filled spaces in the bones of the skull and face that lighten the head, humidify and heat air, increase speech resonance, and absorb trauma. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the three regions of the pharynx and describe their associated structures.

Nasopharynx (posterior to nasal cavity, ciliated epithelium), oropharynx (posterior to oral cavity, ciliated epithelium), laryngopharynx (anterior to larynx). Signup and view all the answers

What are vibrissae?

Long stiff hairs around the mouth or face of mammals used as organs of touch. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the lining of the oropharynx and that of the nasopharynx?

The nasopharynx has pseudostratified columnar epithelium; the oropharynx and laryngopharynx are lined with stratified squamous epithelium. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the general functions and structure of the larynx.

Serves as a passageway for air, prevents ingested materials from entering the respiratory tract, and produces sound. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functions of the Respiratory System

Facilitates gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Enables speech production through airflow and vocal cord manipulation.
Provides the sense of smell through olfactory receptors.
Regulates the body's pH by controlling carbon dioxide levels.
Assists in blood pressure regulation via the angiotensin-converting enzyme.
Creates pressure gradients that aid lymphatic and venous fluid circulation.
Helps expel contents from the abdomen during coughing or sneezing.

Structural and Functional Organization

Upper Respiratory Tract: Comprises the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx.
Lower Respiratory Tract: Includes the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, lungs, and terminal bronchioles.
Conducting Zone: Involves all the elements that transport air (nose to terminal bronchiole).
Respiratory Zone: Comprises structures that facilitate gas exchange (respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli).

Structure of Mucosa in the Respiratory Tract

Comprised of an epithelium and basement membrane, supported by areolar connective tissue.
Epithelial Changes:
- Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium lines the nasal cavity, pharynx, and trachea.
- Simple ciliated columnar epithelium in segmental bronchi and large bronchioles.
- Simple ciliated cuboidal epithelium in small terminal and respiratory bronchioles.
- Simple squamous epithelium forms alveolar ducts and alveoli.
- Nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium lines abrasion-prone areas like the oropharynx.

Function of Mucus

Functions to trap dust, microorganisms, pollen, and pollutants.
Contains antibodies and lysozyme, providing antibacterial protection.

Conducting vs. Respiratory Zones

Conducting zone: Air transport (nose to terminal bronchiole).
Respiratory zone: Gas exchange (respiratory bronchioles and alveoli).

Location of the Trachea

Identified as part of the lower respiratory tract.

Definition of Sputum

Refers to mucus that has been coughed up, similar to a "loogie."

Structure and Function of the Nose

Structure: Consists of nasal bones, frontal processes, nasal septum, and surrounding structures.
Function: Key roles in olfaction, respiration, dust filtration, humidification of air, and mucosal secretion management.

Description of the Nasal Cavity

Structure: Large, air-filled space behind the nose.
Function: Warms, moisturizes, and filters incoming air before it enters the lungs.

Structure and Function of Paranasal Sinuses

Comprises ethmoid, sphenoid, maxillary, and frontal sinuses.
Structure: Air-filled spaces within skull and facial bones.
Function: Lightens head weight, humidifies and heats air, enhances speech resonance, protects facial structures.

Regions of the Pharynx

Nasopharynx:
- Located posterior to the nasal cavity; lined with ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium.
- Contains auditory tube openings and pharyngeal tonsils (adenoids).
Oropharynx:
- Positioned posterior to the oral cavity; also lined with ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium.
- Houses palatine and lingual tonsils.
Laryngopharynx:
- Located anterior to the larynx.

Definition of Vibrissae

Long, stiff hairs on the face, serving as touch-sensitive organs (whiskers).

Differences in Pharyngeal Lining

Nasopharynx: Lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium.
Oropharynx and Laryngopharynx: Lined with stratified squamous epithelium for increased abrasion resistance.

General Functions and Structure of the Larynx

Functions as an airway passage, prevents food aspiration, and produces sound through vocal cords.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the functions of the respiratory system and the distinctions between its structural and functional organization. It is designed to reinforce key concepts related to gas exchange, speech, and various physiological regulations. Test your knowledge with these flashcards from Bio III.