Histology of the Respiratory System

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the nasal conchae?

To filter airborne particles

To increase the surface area of the nasal cavity (correct)

To produce mucus for humidification

To reduce airflow resistance

What type of epithelium covers the nasal conchae?

Stratified squamous epithelium

Transitional epithelium

Simple cuboidal epithelium

Respiratory epithelium (correct)

Which region of the nasal cavity is primarily covered by respiratory lining?

Vestibular region

Respiratory region (correct)

Olfactory region

Sinus region

What is the primary function of the thin walls of the alveoli?

To allow diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

Which gas diffuses from the blood into the alveolus to be exhaled?

Carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

How does the structure of the nasal conchae benefit the respiratory system?

It provides a larger area for warming and humidifying air. Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall benefit of having a respiratory lining in the nasal cavity?

To condition and filter the inhaled air Signup and view all the answers

Why is the structure of the alveolar wall important for gas exchange?

It allows for quick diffusion of gases Signup and view all the answers

What role do capillaries play in relation to the alveoli?

They provide blood supply to the alveoli Signup and view all the answers

What process do the thin walls of the alveoli primarily facilitate?

Diffusion of gases Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelium is present in the mucosa?

Ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of the mucosa?

Connective tissue layer Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of goblet cells in the mucosa?

To secrete mucus Signup and view all the answers

Which layer is directly beneath the epithelial layer in the mucosa?

Lamina propria Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic describes the epithelial layer of the mucosa?

Ciliated pseudostratified columnar cells Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells make up the respiratory epithelium?

Pseudo stratified columnar cells Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is primarily responsible for gas exchange in the respiratory system?

Alveoli Signup and view all the answers

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

Producing mucus Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the respiratory system would you find the respiratory bronchioles?

Respiratory zone Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelium is NOT found in the respiratory tract?

Transition epithelium Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the epiglottis during swallowing?

It moves downward to cover the laryngeal inlet. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the epiglottis when food is being swallowed?

It moves downward to direct food toward the esophagus. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the movement of the epiglottis important during swallowing?

It protects the airway by covering the laryngeal inlet. Signup and view all the answers

What would likely occur if the epiglottis did not function properly during swallowing?

Increased risk of aspiration into the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

Which structure does the epiglottis help to protect during the swallowing process?

The trachea Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelial tissue covers most of the larynx?

Ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT mentioned as affecting the larynx or vocal cords?

Chronic bronchitis Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of laryngitis?

Viral infection Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for conducting air from the larynx to the bronchi?

Trachea Signup and view all the answers

What causes bronchospasms during an asthma attack?

Allergic reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the length of the trachea in adults?

12 cm Signup and view all the answers

What type of support do the C-shaped rings of cartilage in the trachea provide?

Semi-rigid support Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is associated with croup in young children?

Severe cough Signup and view all the answers

What is a common treatment during an asthma attack?

Adrenaline Signup and view all the answers

How many C-shaped rings of cartilage typically compose the trachea?

16-20 rings Signup and view all the answers

Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Histology Study Notes

Sheet number: 18+19
Written by: Mohammad Al-khaliyl and Nadine Dababseh
Edited by: Razan Al.khaizaran, Noor Hamadneh, and Jeyad Alkhzouz
Doctor: Ghada Abu el Ghanam
Year: 2024

Respiratory System

Structurally divided into two sections: upper and lower respiratory
Upper respiratory system: nose, nasal cavity, pharynx and associated structures.
Lower respiratory system: larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.
Functionally divided into two sections: the conducting and respiratory zones.
Conducting zone: series of tubes that filter, warm, and humidify the air while moving it into the lungs. These include the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles to the terminal bronchioles.
Respiratory zone: consists of tubes inside the lungs for gas exchange. Includes the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, and alveoli.

Respiratory Cells

Respiratory epithelium is a pseudostratified columnar cells with goblet cells.
Cell types:
- Ciliated columnar cells: are the most abundant type, which have cilia to move mucus towards the nose.
- Goblet cells: produce mucus, and numerous in some areas.
- Brush cells: are fewer in number with microvilli and are chemosensory receptors connected to nerve endings.
- Small granule cells (Kulchitsky cells): part of the diffuse neuroendocrine system (DNES).
- Basal cells: stem cells that give rise to other epithelial cells (responsible for the pseudostratified appearance.)

Components of the Respiratory System - The Nose and Nasal Cavity

Specialized organ at the entrance of the respiratory system.
Consists of external nose and internal nasal cavity.
External nose has a supporting framework of bone and hyaline cartilage, covered in muscle and skin, lined with mucous membrane.
Air is filtered, heated and humidified before reaching the lungs.
Nasal vestibule, initially lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, then transitions to pseudostratified columnar epithelium. Contains hairs for filtering large particles.

Components of the Respiratory System - The Nose and Nasal Cavity (cont'd)

Nasal cavity is a large space in the skull, inferior to the nasal bone.
Nasal septum divides the cavity into right and left sides.
Communicates with the pharynx through internal nares (choanae).
Nasal conchae (turbinates) increase surface area, covered by respiratory epithelium. This helps with heating and humidifying air.

Additional Respiratory System Components

Paranasal sinuses: cavities in frontal, maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid bones of the skull; lined with respiratory epithelium with fewer goblet cells; help in producing mucous.
Nasal cavities and ducts: include tear ducts (nasolacrimal) and ducts from the paranasal sinuses that open into the nasal cavity. The nasal cavity boundaries extend from the external nares to the pharyngeal opening posteriorly.

Pharynx

Tube-like structure extending from the internal nares to the larynx.
Three parts: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.
- Nasopharynx: lined with respiratory epithelium
- Oropharynx : responsible for air, food, and drink; lined with nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium
- Laryngopharynx: involved in both respiratory and digestive processes. Lined by nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium

Larynx

Connects the laryngopharynx to the trachea.
Made up of nine pieces of cartilage.
Contains vocal cords that produce vibrations for speech.
Lined mostly with pseudostratified columnar epithelium with goblet cells, except the vocal cords, which are lined with a stratified squamous epithelium.

Trachea

Tubular passageway for air.
Located anterior to the esophagus.
Extends from the larynx to the superior border of T5.
Composed of 16-20 hyaline cartilage rings to prevent collapse.
Includes a mucosa with pseudostratified columnar epithelium, submucosa with seromucous glands, hyaline cartilage rings and a layer of areolar connective tissue called adventitia.

Bronchi

Two major branches from the trachea that lead to the left and right lungs.
Right bronchus is wider, shorter and more vertical than the left bronchus.
Lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with goblet cells.
Cartilage rings give structure and help prevent collapse.
Changes to simple columnar or cuboidal epithelium in smaller bronchioles.

Bronchioles

Smallest airways in the lungs that continue to branch.
Do not have cartilage in their walls—giving flexibility.
Lined by club (Clara) cells and simple cuboidal epithelium. Important for surfactant production and detoxification.
Respiratory bronchioles connect to the alveolar ducts and sacs.

Alveolar ducts and Alveoli

Alveoli: sacs that form the main site of gas exchange.
- Thin walled structures lined with simple squamous epithelium.
Essential for gas exchange to occur between air and blood, with a high surface area.
Alveolar walls are covered in a network of capillaries.
Consist of two types of alveolar cells: type I (flat, squamous) and type II (cuboidal) which produce surfactant.

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Description

This quiz covers the structure and function of the respiratory system, detailing the upper and lower divisions as well as the conducting and respiratory zones. Review key concepts and cellular structures involved in the respiratory system as outlined in the histology study notes.