Questions and Answers
What role does the respiratory system play in regulating blood pH?
Which structure prevents food and liquids from entering the larynx during swallowing?
What is the primary function of the ciliated epithelium in the respiratory system?
What primarily determines the pitch of the sound produced in the larynx?
Signup and view all the answers
How do the bronchi contribute to the respiratory system?
Signup and view all the answers
Which part of the respiratory system serves as the site of gas exchange?
Signup and view all the answers
What structure connects the larynx to the main bronchi?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary function of the nasal cavity?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Functions of the Respiratory System
- Exchanges oxygen (O₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) between air and blood.
- Regulates blood pH, maintaining acid-base balance.
- Assists in sound production through vocal cord vibration.
- Conducts air over sensory receptors, enhancing the sense of smell.
- Provides protection against pathogens through filtering and immune responses.
Anatomy of the Respiratory System
Nose
- Composed of external nose and nasal cavity; the external structure is largely cartilage.
- The nasal cavity functions to warm, humidify, and clean inhaled air.
- Nares (nostrils) lead to the pharynx; the cavity divided by nasal septum into left and right sections.
- Paranasal sinuses and the nasolacrimal duct open into the nasal cavity.
- Nasal hairs trap debris, while the lining contains pseudostratified epithelium with cilia that move trapped particles toward the pharynx.
Pharynx
- Nasopharynx connects to nasal cavity via choanae; contains the auditory tube opening and pharyngeal tonsils.
- Oropharynx connects to the oral cavity; houses palatine and lingual tonsils.
- Laryngopharynx opens into the larynx and esophagus, facilitating the passage of air and food.
Larynx
- Made up of three unpaired and six paired cartilages; thyroid and cricoid cartilages are the most prominent.
- Epiglottis serves as a flap covering the laryngeal opening during swallowing to prevent aspiration.
- Vestibular folds protect the larynx by blocking airflow and food.
- Vocal folds (true vocal cords) vibrate with airflow to produce sound; air pressure affects loudness, while fold tension alters pitch.
Trachea
- Serves as a conduit connecting the larynx to the primary bronchi.
Bronchi
- Main bronchi branch out from the trachea into each lung, providing airway entry.
Lungs
- Consist of two organs; airway passages decrease in size as they branch.
- Main bronchi divide into lobar bronchi for each lung lobe, then segmental bronchi for each bronchopulmonary segment.
- Segmental bronchi further branch into smaller bronchioles, leading to terminal bronchioles, which connect to alveolar ducts.
- Alveoli are clusters of air sacs adjacent to alveolar ducts, facilitating gas exchange.
- The epithelial layer from the trachea to terminal bronchioles is ciliated for debris removal.
- Cartilage maintains airway structure, while smooth muscle regulates tube diameter (notably in bronchioles).
- The alveoli consist of simple squamous epithelium, optimizing gas diffusion.
- The respiratory membrane consists of six thin layers, ensuring efficient gas exchange and a large surface area for maximum diffusion.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the vital functions of the respiratory system, including gas exchange and pH regulation. Understand the anatomical structure, such as the nose and nasal cavity, and how they contribute to overall respiratory health.
