Functions of Respiratory System

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Questions and Answers

What is the function of the coarse hair in the vestibule?

To trap foreign particles (correct)

To sense the direction of the incoming air

To produce mucus

To humidify the incoming air

What bones form the lateral and superior walls of the nasal cavity?

Maxillary, nasal, frontal, ethmoid, and sphenoid bones (correct)

Nasal, maxillary, and lacrimal bones

Maxillary, nasal, and frontal bones

Ethmoid, sphenoid, and frontal bones

What is the function of the conchae in the nasal cavity?

To create turbulence that helps filter the air (correct)

To produce mucus

To warm the incoming air

To humidify the incoming air

What is the function of the nasal septum?

To divide the nasal cavity into right and left halves Signup and view all the answers

What is the pharynx?

A common passageway that connects the nose, mouth, and throat Signup and view all the answers

What is the nasopharynx?

The superior part of the pharynx Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the auditory tubes in the nasopharynx?

To equalize air pressure in the ear Signup and view all the answers

What is the boundary between the nasopharynx and oropharynx?

The soft palate Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the respiratory system in terms of gas exchange?

To provide an extensive area for gas exchange between air and circulating blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the paranasal sinuses in the upper respiratory system?

To filter, warm, and humidify the air Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the larynx in the lower respiratory system?

To produce sounds involved in speaking, singing or non-verbal communication Signup and view all the answers

What is the respiratory tract composed of?

The conducting portion and the respiratory portion of the respiratory tract Signup and view all the answers

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

To produce a sticky mucus that traps pathogens and debris Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the cilia in the respiratory epithelium?

To sweep away debris and pathogens trapped in mucus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the nose in the upper respiratory system?

To provide a primary passageway for air entering the respiratory system Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the respiratory epithelium in the respiratory tract?

To line the entire respiratory tract except for the finest conducting portions and alveoli Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functions of Respiratory System

Provides an extensive area for gas exchange between air and circulating blood
Moves air to and from the exchange surfaces of the lungs
Protects respiratory surfaces from dehydration, temperature changes, and other environmental variations
Defends respiratory system and other tissues from invasion by pathogenic microorganisms
Produces sounds involved in speaking, singing, or non-verbal communication
Assists in regulation of blood volume, blood pressure, and the control of body fluid pH

Organization of Respiratory System

Upper respiratory system consists of nose, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and pharynx
Filters, warms, and humidifies air
Lower respiratory system consists of larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs

Respiratory Tract

Consists of airways that carry air to and from exchange surfaces of lungs
Conducting portion: extends from entrance to nasal cavity to smallest bronchioles of lungs
Respiratory portion: includes respiratory bronchioles and air sacs (alveoli)

Respiratory Epithelium

Consists of pseudostratified, ciliated, columnar epithelium with goblet cells
Lines entire respiratory tract except for finest conducting portions and alveoli
Goblet cells and mucus glands produce a sticky mucus that bathes exposed surfaces
In nasal cavity, cilia sweep any debris trapped in mucus or microorganisms toward pharynx

Upper Respiratory System

Nose is primary passageway for air entering respiratory system
Air enters paired external nares that open into nasal cavity
Vestibule contains coarse hair that traps foreign particles
Nasal septum divides cavity into right and left halves
Bony portion of nasal septum is formed by perpendicular plate of ethmoid and vomer
Anterior portion of septum is formed by hyaline cartilage

Nasal Cavity

Lateral wall: formed by maxillary, nasal, frontal, ethmoid, and sphenoid bones
Projecting from lateral wall are superior, middle, and inferior conchae
Air flows between adjacent conchae through superior, middle, or inferior meatuses
Incoming air bounces off conchal surfaces creating turbulence which causes small airborne particles to come into contact with mucus that lines cavity
Turbulence allows extra time for humidifying and warming incoming air

Nasal Cavity Floor

Formed by hard palate (maxillary and palatine bones)
Soft palate extends posterior to hard palate marking boundary line between superior nasopharynx and rest of pharynx
Nasal cavity opens into nasopharynx at internal nares

Pharynx

Nose, mouth, and throat connect each other by a common passageway called pharynx
Pharynx is shared by digestive and respiratory systems
Extends between internal nares and entrance to larynx and oesophagus
Has three regions: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx

Nasopharynx

Superior part of pharynx
Connected to posterior portion of nasal cavity via internal nares
Separated from oral cavity by soft palate
Lined by respiratory epithelium
Pharyngeal (adenoid) tonsil is located on posterior wall
Lateral walls contain openings of auditory tubes

Oropharynx

Extends between soft palate and base of tongue at level of hyoid bone
Posterior portion of oral cavity and posterior and inferior portions of nasopharynx communicate directly with oropharynx
At boundary between naso and oropharynx, epithelium changes from respiratory epithelium to stratified squamous epithelium

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Description

Explore the essential functions of the respiratory system, including gas exchange, air movement, and protection from environmental variations and microorganisms.