12 Questions
What is the main purpose of the conducting zone in the respiratory system?
Transport gas in and out of the lungs
Apart from olfaction, what is another function of the nose mentioned for physiotherapists?
Warming and humidifying the air
Which part of the upper respiratory tract is responsible for being the common passageway for both food and air?
Pharynx
What is one reason physiotherapists encourage clients to breathe through their nose?
To utilize the nose's air filtering, warming, and humidifying functions
Which part of the respiratory system is NOT included in the conducting zone?
Alveoli
Why do physiotherapists typically advise clients to breathe through their nose when not breathless?
To benefit from air filtration, warming, and humidifying functions
Which structure contains the vocal cords and is located between the pharynx and the trachea?
Larynx
Which component of the respiratory zone branches off from the respiratory bronchioles and facilitates air entry into the alveoli?
Alveolar ducts
What feature characterizes bronchioles in comparison to bronchi?
Lack of cartilage but presence of smooth muscles
Which part of the bronchial tree has approximately 23 generations of branching?
Bronchial tree
In the bronchial tree, what is a notable difference between the left and right main bronchus?
Left is more horizontal than right
What is the main purpose of the respiratory zone in the respiratory system?
To facilitate gas exchange between the lungs and bloodstream
Study Notes
Upper Respiratory Tract
- The upper respiratory tract consists of the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi.
- The upper respiratory tract is the extra-thoracic component of the respiratory system.
Conducting Zone
- The conducting zone transports gas in and out of the lungs.
- The conducting zone includes the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.
- The nose filters, warms, and humidifies the air during inspiration.
- Physiotherapists encourage clients to breathe through their nose rather than their mouth, unless they are breathless.
Pharynx
- The pharynx is the common passageway for both food and air.
- It connects the nasal cavity and the mouth to the larynx.
Larynx
- The larynx contains the vocal cords and is located between the pharynx and the trachea.
Trachea
- The trachea is a tube-like structure that connects the larynx to the bronchi in the lungs.
- It is composed of a series of cartilaginous rings that provide structural support to keep the airway open.
Bronchial Tree
- The bronchial tree is the branching pattern of a person's airway, with approximately 23 generations of branching.
- The right main bronchus is more vertical (branching at 20-30 degrees) than the left, which sits more horizontally (branching at 45-55 degrees).
- Bronchioles lack cartilage but have smooth muscles, which constrict airway caliber when contracted.
Respiratory Zone
- The respiratory zone is responsible for gas exchange.
- The respiratory zone includes the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli.
- Respiratory bronchioles are the narrowest air passages of the conducting zone and are the first airways that are part of the respiratory zone.
- Alveolar ducts branch off of the respiratory bronchioles and form passageways for air to enter the alveoli.
- Alveoli are tiny sacs responsible for gas exchange between the lungs and the bloodstream.
- The alveolar membrane is where perfusion occurs, transferring oxygen from the air in the alveoli to the capillary that surrounds the alveoli.
- Alveoli are bunched together, resembling a bunch of grapes.
This quiz revises the anatomy and physiology content of the respiratory system with a focus on physiotherapy. It covers the upper respiratory tract, including the sinuses, nasal cavity, pharynx, glottis, larynx, trachea, and oesophagus. Ideal for physiotherapy students or professionals looking to enhance their understanding of the respiratory system from a physiotherapy perspective.
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