45 Questions
What is the primary function of the turbinates in the nasal passages?
Increasing the surface area for warming and humidifying the inhaled air
How are particles like dust and pollen removed from the inhaled air in the nasal passages?
Cilia and the mucous layer guide particles to the throat to be swallowed
What warms the inhaled air as it passes through the nasal passages?
Blood vessels beneath the nasal lining
What is the role of the epiglottis in the swallowing process?
Covering the opening to the larynx to allow food to pass into the rear of the pharynx and esophagus
What complex series of actions occurs during swallowing to prevent interference with breathing?
Covering the opening into the larynx, moving material to the rear of the pharynx, and opening the esophagus
How do the pharynx and larynx work together to prevent swallowing from interfering with breathing?
The larynx opening is covered during swallowing and uncovered after swallowing is complete
What is the primary function of the hyaline cartilage rings in the trachea?
To prevent the trachea from collapsing during inhalation
Which component of the trachea is responsible for its ability to maintain an open airway?
Hyaline cartilage rings
What is the structure called that divides into smaller and smaller bronchioles?
Main bronchus
Where do the microscopic alveolar ducts end?
Alveolar sacs
What do the bronchioles continue to subdivide into?
Smaller air passageways
What is the primary function of the thin layers of simple squamous epithelium in both alveoli and capillaries?
Facilitate easy diffusion of gases between air and blood
What prevents the collapse of alveoli during breathing?
Surfactant in the fluid coating each alveolus
What is the role of capillaries surrounding the alveoli in gas exchange?
Facilitate diffusion of gases between blood and alveoli
What is the function of the surfactant in the fluid coating each alveolus?
Reduces surface tension to prevent alveolar collapse
What is the hilus of the lung?
A small, well-defined area on the medial side of each lung
Why is the hilus of the lung important?
It is the only area of the lung that is 'fastened in place'
What enters and leaves the lung through the hilus?
Air, blood, lymph, and nerves
What structures are located in the mediastinum?
Heart, trachea, and lymph nodes
Which structure is NOT located in the mediastinum?
Lungs
What is the primary function of the structures in the mediastinum?
Supporting and protecting thoracic contents
Which pulmonary blood vessel carries oxygen-rich blood?
Pulmonary vein
Where does the pulmonary vein deliver oxygenated blood?
Left atrium
What is the primary function of the pulmonary circulation?
To oxygenate blood
What is the primary role of negative intrathoracic pressure in breathing?
Creating a vacuum that pulls the lungs outward against the chest wall
If negative intrathoracic pressure is lost, what is the most likely consequence?
Lungs collapsing and difficulty breathing
How does negative intrathoracic pressure affect overall cardiovascular function?
It reduces blood flow back to the heart
What are the main muscles used during inspiration?
Diaphragm and external intercostal muscles
How do the external intercostal muscles contribute to inspiration?
Rotate the ribs upward and forward
What happens when the diaphragm contracts during inspiration?
The thoracic cavity enlarges
What is the main function of the internal intercostal muscles during expiration?
Rotate the ribs backward to decrease the size of the thorax
How do abdominal muscles contribute to expiration?
Push the abdominal organs against the diaphragm
What is the primary role of the internal intercostal muscles and abdominal muscles during expiration?
Decrease the size of the thorax to push air out of the lungs
What drives the movement of oxygen from the alveoli to the blood in the alveolar capillaries?
High-concentration air in the alveoli to low-concentration blood in the capillaries
What maintains the concentration gradient necessary for the exchange of gases in the alveoli and capillaries?
Constant flow of blood
What is the primary function of the alveolar capillaries in the gas exchange process?
To pick up carbon dioxide and deliver oxygen to the body's cells
Which area of the brain stem is primarily responsible for controlling breathing?
Medulla oblongata
What triggers the nerve impulses that control the respiratory muscles?
Input from stretch receptors in the lungs
How is the subconscious control of the respiratory muscles achieved?
Via nerve impulses from a subconscious part of the brain
What is the primary function of the mechanical respiratory control system?
Setting routine inspiration and expiration limits
What is the main role of the chemical respiratory control system?
Directing adjustments in breathing based on blood substance levels
How does the mechanical respiratory control system differ from the chemical system?
It sets routine inspiration and expiration limits, while the chemical system maintains gas exchange balance in the alveoli
What are the three changes in arterial blood that trigger the chemical respiratory control system to override the mechanical control system?
Increase in CO2 content, decrease in pH, decrease in O2 content
Where are the chemical receptors located that detect the changes triggering the chemical respiratory control system?
In the carotid and aortic bodies
What triggers the chemical respiratory control system to override the mechanical control system?
Detection of certain chemical changes in the bloodstream
Study Notes
Trachea Function
- Hyaline cartilage rings surrounding the trachea prevent it from collapsing during inhalation
- The rings maintain the trachea's shape and structure, ensuring a continuous airflow
Pulmonary Blood Vessels
- The pulmonary vein carries bright, red, high-oxygen blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart
- The pulmonary artery, on the other hand, carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs
Mechanical Respiratory Control System
- The medulla oblongata in the brain stem controls breathing through the respiratory center
- The respiratory center consists of individual control centers for inspiration, expiration, and breath-holding
- These control centers receive input from stretch receptors in the lungs, which monitor lung inflation and deflation
- The centers send nerve impulses to the respiratory muscles, directing their contraction and relaxation
- The voluntary respiratory muscles are controlled by subconscious nerve impulses from the brain
Test your knowledge of the nasal passages' functions in warming, humidifying, and filtering inhaled air. Learn about the role of turbinates in increasing surface area and aiding air conditioning processes.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
