Physiotherapy - Respiratory System Anatomy and Physiology

What is the main purpose of the conducting zone in the respiratory system?

Apart from olfaction, what is another function of the nose mentioned for physiotherapists?

Which part of the upper respiratory tract is responsible for being the common passageway for both food and air?

What is one reason physiotherapists encourage clients to breathe through their nose?

Which part of the respiratory system is NOT included in the conducting zone?

Why do physiotherapists typically advise clients to breathe through their nose when not breathless?

Which structure contains the vocal cords and is located between the pharynx and the trachea?

Which component of the respiratory zone branches off from the respiratory bronchioles and facilitates air entry into the alveoli?

What feature characterizes bronchioles in comparison to bronchi?

Which part of the bronchial tree has approximately 23 generations of branching?

In the bronchial tree, what is a notable difference between the left and right main bronchus?

What is the main purpose of the respiratory zone in the respiratory system?

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.