Lower airway

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Questions and Answers

Which function is primarily associated with the larynx?

Producing mucus

Filtering air impurities

Regulating blood flow

Generating sounds for speech (correct)

What is the function of the epiglottis?

Helps produce sound

Houses the vocal cords

Covers the glottic opening during swallowing (correct)

Filters air entering the trachea

What is the structure known as the Adam’s apple?

Epiglottis

Cuneiform cartilage

Arytenoid cartilage

Thyroid cartilage (correct)

Which cartilages of the larynx are paired?

Arytenoid and corniculate Signup and view all the answers

During exhalation, what happens to the vocal cords?

They abduct slightly Signup and view all the answers

What holds the nine cartilages of the larynx in position?

Intrinsic and extrinsic muscles Signup and view all the answers

What is the glottis?

The space between the true vocal cords Signup and view all the answers

What type of cartilage is the cricoid cartilage described as?

Signet ring shaped Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Valsalva maneuver in the larynx?

To prevent air from escaping Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the false vocal cords?

They protrude inward but do not participate in sound production Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary type of epithelium found in the tracheobronchial tree?

Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of the mucous blanket in the tracheobronchial tree?

95% water and 5% glycoproteins Signup and view all the answers

Which structure in the respiratory system is absent of cilia?

Respiratory bronchioles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component found in the lamina propria?

Squamous epithelial cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of cilia moving in a wavelike fashion in the tracheobronchial tree?

Facilitate mucus movement Signup and view all the answers

What is the average length of the trachea?

11-13 cm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the right main stem bronchus is true?

It is approximately 5 cm shorter than the left. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Clara cells found in terminal bronchioles?

Detoxifying harmful substances Signup and view all the answers

What type of cartilage supports the trachea?

Hyaline cartilage Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the canals of Lambert appearing in terminal bronchioles?

They facilitate collateral ventilation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Larynx Overview

Known as the "voice box," situated between the base of the tongue and the trachea's upper end.
Functions include air passage between the pharynx and trachea, protecting against aspiration, and generating sound for speech.

Cartilages of the Larynx

Comprises nine cartilages, supported by intrinsic and extrinsic muscles.
Single Cartilages:
- Thyroid: Largest, forms the Adam's apple.
- Cricoid: Signet ring-shaped, located beneath the thyroid.
- Epiglottis: Broad, spoon-shaped, prevents aspiration during swallowing.
Paired Cartilages:
- Arytenoid: Pyramid-shaped, plays a role in sound production.
- Corniculate and Cuneiform: Small, stiffen the glottic folds.

Vocal Cords and Function

Larynx lined with mucous membrane forming folds.
Upper folds are false vocal cords; lower, true vocal cords have a vocal ligament.
The space between true vocal cords is called the glottis.
Airflow Mechanics:
- During inspiration, vocal cords abduct; during exhalation, they slightly adduct, maintaining an open glottic space.
- Valsalva’s maneuver seals the larynx for activities like lifting and coughing.

Tracheobronchial Tree Structure

Airway branching defined as generations or orders.
Composed of three layers: Epithelial lining, lamina propria, and a cartilaginous layer.

Histology of the Tracheobronchial Tree

Epithelial lining consists of pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium, decreases in height towards smaller airways.
Mucous Blanket:
- Mucous layer produced by goblet cells, approximately 100 ml/day, consists of 95% water.
- Has two layers: Sol (less viscous) and Gel (more viscous).

Immune Response in the Larynx

Mast Cells: Present in the lamina propria, release mediators upon activation affecting bronchial tone.
Cellular Immunity: Involves sensitized lymphocytes; humoral immunity involves circulating antibodies like IgE, IgG, and IgM.

Cartilaginous Airways

Trachea:
- Length: 11-13 cm, diameter: 2.5 cm; divides into right and left main stem bronchi at the carina.
- Comprised of 15-20 C-shaped incomplete cartilages for support.
Main Stem Bronchi:
- Right bronchus is shorter and wider, at a 25-degree angle; left bronchus at a 40-60-degree angle.

Noncartilaginous Airways

Bronchioles: Between generations 10-15, lack cartilage and have low rigidity, surrounded by spiral muscle fibers.
Terminal Bronchioles:
- Average diameter of 0.5 mm, cuboidal epithelium, lack cilia and mucus glands.
- Canals of Lambert appear, facilitating collateral ventilation.

Bronchial Blood Supply

Supplied by bronchial arteries from the aorta with 2/3 of venous blood draining into the left atrium via pulmonary veins, leading to venous admixture.

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Description

Explore the anatomy and functions of the larynx, often referred to as the voice box. This quiz covers its location, protective mechanisms, the generation of sound, and the specific cartilages involved. Test your knowledge on the crucial role the larynx plays in speech and respiration.