12 Questions
Where is the larynx located in relation to the pharynx and trachea?
Between the pharynx and trachea
What provides structural support to keep the airway open in the trachea?
Cartilaginous rings
Which part of the bronchial tree lacks cartilage but still has smooth muscles?
Bronchioles
What is the purpose of the respiratory zone?
Gas exchange
Where does gas exchange occur in the respiratory zone?
Alveoli
What is responsible for the transfer of oxygen from the air in the alveoli to the capillary surrounding them?
'Alveolar membrane'
What is the main function of the conducting zone in the respiratory system?
Transport gas in and out of the lungs
Which structure is NOT part of the conducting zone of the respiratory system?
Alveoli
What is the role of the nose in respiration according to the text?
To filter, warm, and humidify the air
Why do physiotherapists encourage clients to breathe through their nose?
To filter particles from the air
Which part of the respiratory system is responsible for being a common passageway for both food and air?
Pharynx
Apart from olfaction, what other function does the nose serve during respiration?
Filter particles from the air
Study Notes
Upper Respiratory Tract
- The upper respiratory tract refers to the extra-thoracic component of the respiratory system.
- It consists of the sinuses, nasal cavity, pharynx, glottis, larynx, trachea, and oesophagus.
Respiratory System Zones
- The respiratory system is divided into two functional zones: the conducting zone and the respiratory zone.
- The conducting zone transports gas in and out of the lungs, and consists of the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.
- The respiratory zone is responsible for gas exchange and includes the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli.
Conducting Zone Anatomy
- The nose has multiple functions, including filtering, warming, and humidifying the air, and is preferred for breathing over the mouth.
- The pharynx is a common passageway for both food and air, connecting the nasal cavity and mouth to the larynx.
- The larynx contains the vocal cords and is located between the pharynx and trachea.
- The trachea is a tube-like structure that connects the larynx to the bronchi in the lungs, composed of cartilaginous rings that provide structural support.
- The trachea branches into the left and right primary bronchi, which further branch into smaller bronchi and bronchioles.
Bronchial Tree
- The bronchioles lack cartilage but have smooth muscles, which can reduce airway caliber.
- The bronchial tree consists of the left and right bronchus and the branching bronchioles.
Respiratory Zone
- 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 are tiny ducts that 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, with a liquid membrane where perfusion occurs.
Test your knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system from a physiotherapy perspective. This quiz focuses on the upper respiratory tract components including sinuses, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and more.
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