Pulmonary System Overview Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the pulmonary system?

The exchange of gases between the environmental air and blood.

How does gas exchange occur? (Select all that apply)

Ventilation (correct)

Diffusion (correct)

Circulation

Perfusion (correct)

What are the structures of the Pulmonary System?

2 Lungs, Upper/Lower Airways, Blood Vessels, Diaphragm, Chest Wall

How many lobes does the right lung have?

3: Upper, Middle, Lower Signup and view all the answers

How many lobes does the left lung have?

2: Upper, Lower Signup and view all the answers

What is the mediastinum?

The space between the lungs that contains the heart, great vessels, and esophagus. Signup and view all the answers

What are bronchi?

A set of conducting airways that deliver air to each section of the lung. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the tissue of the bronchi?

Support and prevent distortion or collapse of bronchi during ventilation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the diaphragm?

A dome-shaped muscle that separates thoracic and abdominal cavities and is involved in ventilation. Signup and view all the answers

What does the upper respiratory tract mucosa do?

Maintain constant temperature, humidify gas entering lungs, and trap/remove foreign particles. Signup and view all the answers

What are cilia?

Hair-like structures that propel the mucous blanket and entrapped particles toward the oropharynx for swallowing or expectorating. Signup and view all the answers

What are alveolar macrophages?

Cells that ingest and remove bacteria and other foreign material from alveoli by phagocytosis. Signup and view all the answers

What are the effects of pulmonary circulation?

Facilitate gas exchange, deliver nutrients to lung tissue, serve as a reservoir for the left ventricle, and filter clots, air, and debris from circulation. Signup and view all the answers

What is pulmonary hypertension?

Elevated pulmonary artery pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What is cor pulmonale?

Right heart failure caused by lung disease. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Primary Function of the Pulmonary System

Responsible for gas exchange between environmental air and blood.

Mechanisms of Gas Exchange

Involves three main processes:
- Ventilation: Movement of air in and out of the lungs.
- Diffusion: Gas movement between air spaces in the lungs.
- Perfusion: Blood movement through lung capillary beds.

Structures of the Pulmonary System

Comprises two lungs, upper and lower airways, blood vessels, diaphragm, and chest wall.
Right lung has three lobes: upper, middle, lower.
Left lung has two lobes: upper and lower.

Mediastinum

The area between the lungs housing the heart, great vessels, and esophagus.

Bronchi

Conducting airways responsible for delivering air to lung sections.
Tissue structure in bronchi supports and prevents distortion during ventilation.

Diaphragm

Dome-shaped muscle separating thoracic and abdominal cavities, essential for ventilation.

Upper Respiratory Tract Functions

Maintains temperature, humidifies inhaled gas, and traps/removes foreign particles through mucosa, nasal hair, and turbinates.

Mucous and Cilia

Mucous blanket protects trachea and bronchi, traps bacteria.
Cilia propel the mucous blanket and particles toward oropharynx for expulsion.

Irritant Receptors and Alveolar Macrophages

Located in trachea and large airways, these receptors activate cough reflex to remove irritants.
Alveolar macrophages phagocytize and remove bacteria and foreign materials from alveoli.

Conducting Airways

Facilitate air movement in and out of gas-exchange structures.

Key Components of the Larynx

Connects upper and lower airways, consists of endolarynx (which includes false and true vocal cords) and cartilaginous structures.

Trachea

Connects the larynx to the bronchi.

Alveoli

Main units for gas exchange, enabling oxygen entry and carbon dioxide exit; characterized by thin walls.

Pores of Kohn

Act as pressure equalizers promoting collateral ventilation and even air distribution in alveoli.

Surfactant

Produced by type II alveolar cells, reduces alveolar surface tension and prevents lung collapse.

Effects of Pulmonary Circulation

Enhances gas exchange, delivers nutrients to lung tissue, serves as a reservoir for left ventricle, filters circulation for clots, air, and debris.

Alveolocapillary Membrane

Site of gas exchange; thickening impairs gas exchange efficacy.

Pulmonary Veins

Randomly distributed throughout the lungs, transport blood to the left atrium, lacking valves.

Bronchial Circulation

Part of systemic circulation, moistens inspired air and nourishes conducting airways and lung tissues.

Causes of Pulmonary Artery Constriction

Primarily caused by low alveolar pressure of oxygen (PO2) leading to hypoxia and increased intracellular Ca2+ levels.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Defined as elevated pressure within the pulmonary arteries.

Cor Pulmonale

Also known as right heart failure, often resulting from chronic lung conditions leading to pulmonary hypertension.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the primary functions and structures of the pulmonary system. This quiz covers gas exchange mechanisms, the anatomy of the lungs and airways, and the role of the diaphragm. Dive into the essentials of respiratory health and function.