Lower Respiratory Tract Structures Quiz

Trachea

• Main airway leading from the larynx down into the bronchi.
• Supported by C-shaped rings of cartilage, providing structure and preventing collapse.

Inferior Lobe of Right Lung

• Located below the middle lobe; accounts for a significant portion of lung capacity.
• Contains bronchopulmonary segments that aid in gas exchange.

Middle Lobe of Right Lung

• Positioned between the superior and inferior lobes of the right lung.
• Facilitates airflow and gas exchange with its own bronchopulmonary segments.

Superior Lobe of Right Lung

• Located at the top of the right lung; responsible for a portion of respiratory function.
• Has fissures that separate it from the middle lobe.

Superior Lobe of Left Lung

• The upper section of the left lung, smaller than the right counterpart due to the heart's position.
• Contains lung segments that contribute to efficient gas exchange.

Left Main (Primary) Bronchus

• The airway branch leading into the left lung from the trachea.
• Slightly longer and more horizontal than the right main bronchus.

Lobar (Secondary) Bronchus

• Branches from the main bronchi into the lobes of the lungs.
• Each lobe is supplied by a corresponding lobar bronchus (3 on the right, 2 on the left).

Segmental (Tertiary) Bronchus

• Branches from the lobar bronchi into smaller segments within each lobe.
• Facilitates distribution of air to specific areas of the lung.

Inferior Lobe of Left Lung

• Located beneath the superior lobe; essential for effective lung function.
• Contains multiple segments which contribute to the lung's overall capacity.

Alveolar Duct

• Air passages that lead from the respiratory bronchioles to the alveolar sacs.
• Plays a crucial role in the exchange of gases (O2 and CO2).

Respiratory Bronchioles

• Terminal branches of the bronchi leading to alveoli.
• Involved in the initiation of gas exchange due to thin walls.

Terminal Bronchiole

• The last branch of the conducting airways before the respiratory zone.
• Transports air to the respiratory bronchioles; no gas exchange occurs here.

Alveoli

• Tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs; surrounded by capillaries for efficient diffusion.
• Millions are present in the lungs, significantly increasing surface area for gas exchange.

Alveolar Sac

• Cluster of alveoli at the end of the alveolar ducts.
• Enhances the efficiency of gas exchange by providing a large surface area.