Human Anatomy: Upper Respiratory Tract

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the respiratory bronchiole?

To facilitate gaseous exchange (correct)

To warm and humidify the air

To produce mucus to trap pathogens

To filter out dust and other particles

What is the approximate diameter of the bronchioles?

1 micrometre

1 millimetre (correct)

1 centimetre

1 nanometre

What is the function of the pulmonary arteries?

To carry oxygenated blood to the heart

To carry deoxygenated blood to the alveoli (correct)

To carry nutrient-rich blood to the lungs

To carry waste products away from the lungs

Why do the conducting portions of the airways need their own oxygen-rich supply of blood?

Because the walls are too thick to permit diffusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the alveoli?

To facilitate gaseous exchange between the air and blood Signup and view all the answers

How many alveoli are present in each lung?

300 million Signup and view all the answers

Why are the pulmonary veins located at a distance from the bronchial tree?

To prevent the airways from stealing oxygen-rich blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the final bronchiole that leads to the alveoli?

Respiratory bronchiole Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses in the upper respiratory tract?

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

Which of the following is NOT a protective mechanism of the airway?

Bone remodeling Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct sequence of events in the cough reflex?

Irritation, cough center stimulation, diaphragm contraction, expulsion of air Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cartilages is NOT part of the larynx?

Xiphoid cartilage Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the laryngeal inlet?

To protect the lungs from foreign particles Signup and view all the answers

Why is an inhaled foreign object more likely to be found in the right lung?

Because the angle of the right main bronchus is more acute Signup and view all the answers

What is a complication of viral infections that can lead to inflammation of the nose, ear, and throat?

Secondary bacterial infections Signup and view all the answers

During influenza or COVID-19 infection, what causes the lungs to become inflamed and clog the airways?

Prolonged response of the immune system Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the respiratory bronchioles and alveoli?

Gaseous exchange Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of alveolar type 2 cells in the alveoli?

Production of surfactant Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the conchae in the nasal cavities?

To filter the air Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the nasal cavities?

To warm and moisten the air Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the mucus glands and serous glands in the nasal cavities?

To humidify the air Signup and view all the answers

Why is the mouth not considered a respiratory organ?

Because heat and moisture exchange is not as efficient as the nasal cavities Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of macrophages in the respiratory system?

To phagocytose and destroy microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of the mucociliary elevator in the respiratory tract?

Moving mucus and debris upwards Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cells are responsible for producing antibodies in the respiratory system?

B cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cough reflex in the respiratory system?

To clear the lungs of foreign substances Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary stimulus for the cough reflex in the respiratory system?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the vagus nerve in the cough reflex?

To transmit sensory impulses to the brain Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) in the respiratory system?

To phagocytose microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary location of the epithelial cells that permit gas exchange in the respiratory system?

Alveoli Signup and view all the answers

What is the common cause of death among rock stars mentioned in the content?

Combination of drink and drugs Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of placing a patient in the recovery position?

To reduce the risk of inhalation of vomit Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common place for obstruction in the airway?

Vocal cords Signup and view all the answers

What is the procedure that involves penetration of the cricothyroid membrane with a sharp implement?

Cricothyroidotomy Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of maintaining patency of the air opening in cricothyroidotomy?

To prevent obstruction Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk of excessive drinking, according to the content?

Drinking to oblivion Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid damage to the thyroid gland during cricothyroidotomy?

To preserve vital functions Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of twisting the sharp implement during cricothyroidotomy?

Creation of an air opening Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Upper Respiratory Tract

The upper respiratory tract includes the nasal cavities, paranasal sinuses, larynx, and trachea.
The respiratory functions of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses include warming, moistening, and filtering the inspired air.
The nasal cavities are surrounded by blood vessels that exchange heat with each breath.

Nasal Cavities

The nasal cavities are divided by a midline septum.
The lateral walls of the nasal cavities have folds called conchae, which resemble the shape of a conical shell.
The nasal cavities contain mucus glands and serous glands that humidify the inspired air.
The nasal cavities are more efficient at heat and moisture exchange than the mouth.

Paranasal Sinuses

The paranasal sinuses are extensions of the nasal cavities.
They connect with the nasal cavities and are involved in the respiratory process.

Conducting Versus Respiratory Zones

The conducting portion of the airway runs from the trachea to the terminal bronchioles.
The respiratory bronchioles and alveoli are capable of gaseous exchange.
Alveoli are lined by alveolar type 1 and alveolar type 2 cells, with the latter producing surfactant to reduce surface tension.

Pulmonary Circulation

The pulmonary circulation supplies the lungs with deoxygenated blood.
The pulmonary trunk emerges from the right ventricle and divides into the right and left pulmonary arteries.
The pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood to the alveoli, where gas exchange takes place.
Oxygenated blood is then carried back to the left atrium of the heart via the pulmonary veins.

Bronchial Arteries

The bronchial arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the conducting portions of the airways.
The walls of the conducting airways are too thick to permit diffusion, so they require their own oxygen-rich supply.

Immune Cells of the Airways

Macrophages and immune cells can usually deal with microorganisms that enter the airways.
Once the microorganism is phagocytosed, the macrophage presents microbial antigens on the surface to activate B and T cells.
Activated B and T cells produce more antibody and/or activate the macrophage.

Coughing

The cough reflex is a mechanism for clearance of the lungs.
There are four distinct phases to a normal cough: irritation, inspiration, compression, and expulsion.
The cough reflex can be triggered by inflammatory, mechanical, chemical, or thermal stimuli.

Larynx

The larynx is a vital structure that protects the lungs.
The larynx contains cartilages and membranes that play a crucial role in the respiratory process.
The laryngeal inlet is a narrow passage that allows air to enter the lungs.
An emergency laryngotomy may be required if the glottis is obstructed.

Emergency Laryngotomy

The procedure involves penetration of the cricothyroid membrane with a sharp implement to establish an airway.
Care must be taken to avoid damage to the thyroid gland.
The patency of the opening needs to be maintained to prevent obstruction.

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Description

Learn about the definition and contents of the upper respiratory tract. Understand the parts of the respiratory system and their functions.