RCP 110 Anatomy and Physiology Exam I

Questions and Answers

What is the main function of the epiglottis?

Prevent aspiration of food and liquids (correct)

Regulate airflow into the trachea

Facilitate speech production

Assist in the humidification of inhaled air

What is a common consequence of nasal flaring during respiration?

Widening of nostrils due to air resistance (correct)

Complete obstruction of airflow

Increased oxygenation of blood

Hyperventilation leading to CO2 buildup

Which of the following is NOT a primary component of the upper airways?

Oral cavity

Larynx

Bronchi (correct)

Nose

What condition can result from improper placement of an endotracheal tube?

Insertion into the esophagus Signup and view all the answers

What should patients with compromised mucociliary transport avoid suppressing?

Cough reflex Signup and view all the answers

What is the main treatment for post-extubation laryngeal edema?

Vaporized cool mist and steam inhalation Signup and view all the answers

Which layer is NOT part of the tracheobronchial tree?

Mucous layer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following distinguishes croup from epiglottitis?

Croup is a viral infection causing inflammation of the trachea. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to intra-plural pressure at the end of inspiration?

It remains below that at rest. Signup and view all the answers

Which physiological response is NOT associated with a tension pneumothorax?

Increased oxygen saturation levels. Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are primarily responsible for the production of surfactant in the lungs?

Type 2 alveolar cells. Signup and view all the answers

What factor is NOT affected by surface tension in the lungs according to LaPlace's law?

Molecular attraction of surfactant. Signup and view all the answers

What is the barometric pressure at sea level?

760 mm Hg. Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following conditions would surfactant deficiency be most likely observed?

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during expiration with regard to diaphragm movement?

Diaphragm moves up and pressure increases. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common psychological response to tension pneumothorax?

Anxiety and panic from respiratory distress. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of mast cells in the lamina propria when activated?

Release substances that alter the diameter of the bronchial airway Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the mucous blanket is characterized as a viscous layer that lies closer to the lumenal surface?

Gel layer Signup and view all the answers

At which level of the tracheobronchial tree is cilia absent?

Terminal bronchioles Signup and view all the answers

What effect does cigarette smoke have on ciliary function?

Paralyzes the cilia, reducing their movement and effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

How many segmental bronchi are present in the right lung?

10 Signup and view all the answers

What type of alveolar cell is primarily responsible for removing bacteria and foreign pathogens?

Type 3 alveolar macrophages Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of high levels of FiO2 on cilia?

Paralyzes cilia and makes them less effective Signup and view all the answers

How far above the carina should the tip of an endotracheal tube ideally be positioned?

2-5 cm Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical structure is referred to as the carina?

The lowest part of the trachea between the bronchi Signup and view all the answers

What is pleurisy primarily characterized by?

Inflammation of the pleura causing pain and friction Signup and view all the answers

In pulmonary circulation, blood is transported from the heart to where?

The lungs to pick up oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between elastance and lung compliance?

High elastance corresponds to low compliance Signup and view all the answers

Which accessory muscle is involved in expiration?

Internal intercostals Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of pleural effusion?

Fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity Signup and view all the answers

During which phase is static lung compliance measured?

When the lungs are still Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about inspiratory accessory muscles is correct?

They support inhalation during increased demand Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Upper Airways

Key components include the nose, oral cavity, larynx, and pharynx.
Functions: important for speech and smell, humidify and warm/cool inhaled air, act as air conductors, and prevent foreign particles from entering the tracheobronchial tree.
Nasal flaring indicates respiratory distress; can occur due to conditions like asthma or pneumonia.
Misplaced endotracheal tube can enter the esophagus instead of the trachea during intubation.
The epiglottis is the laryngeal cartilage that prevents aspiration of food and liquid.
The larynx connects the pharynx and trachea, prevents aspiration, and generates sound for speech.
Post-extubation laryngeal edema is treated with aerosolized racemic epinephrine and high humidification, along with voice rest and cough medications.
Croup is a viral infection causing tracheal and laryngeal inflammation, while epiglottitis is a bacterial infection leading to epiglottis swelling and airway obstruction.

Lower Airways

Cough reflex should not be suppressed when mucociliary transport is compromised as it's crucial for secretion mobilization.
Respiratory therapy modalities for bronchial secretions include chest physiotherapy, flutter devices, cough breathing exercises, and suctioning.
Tracheobronchial tree comprises three layers: epithelial, lamina propria, and cartilaginous layer.
The lamina propria contains mast cells that trigger bronchial airway changes when activated.
The mucous blanket consists of 95% water; primary components include glycoproteins, carbohydrates, and cellular debris arranged in a gel layer and a sol layer.
Cilia are absent in terminal bronchioles (between 16th to 19th generations).
Factors affecting mucociliary transport: cigarette smoke, dehydration, positive pressure ventilation, endotracheal suctioning, and high FiO2 levels.
Conducting zone is another name for cartilaginous airways.
Right lung contains 10 segmental bronchi, and the left lung has 8.
Non-cartilaginous airways include bronchioles and terminal bronchioles.
Bronchial arteries supply oxygenated blood to the lungs, tracheobronchial tree, lymph nodes, nerves, portions of the esophagus, and pleura.
Alveolar cells: Type 1 pneumocytes (95% of surface, non-reproducible), Type 2 pneumocytes (5% of surface, produce surfactant, able to reproduce), Type 3 macrophages (clean up bacteria and pathogens).
Endotracheal tube should be positioned 2-5 cm above the carina.
The carina is the area between the two bronchi at the lower trachea.

Lymphatic, Vascular, and Pleural Considerations

Beta-2 receptor stimulation in lungs causes bronchodilation by relaxing airway muscles.
Abnormal pleural conditions: Pleurisy (inflammation), pleural effusion (fluid accumulation), empyema (infected fluid), and pleural friction rub (sounds from pleural layers rubbing).
Accessory muscles of inspiration: scalene, sternocleidomastoid, external intercostals, trapezius.
Accessory muscles of expiration: abdominal muscles, internal intercostals.
Pulmonary circulation: blood picks up oxygen in lungs and returns to heart; systemic circulation delivers oxygen to body while collecting CO2.
Elastance refers to the lungs' ability to return to original shape; high elastance equals low compliance (stiff lungs), while low elastance equals high compliance (easily stretchable lungs).
Static compliance measures unstretched lungs, while dynamic compliance measures stretched lungs.
Ventilation moves gases between the environment and alveoli; barometric pressure at sea level is 760 mm Hg.
Tension pneumothorax leads to vital sign changes such as increased heart rate, tachypnea, hypotension, hypoxia, tracheal deviation, and jugular vein distension.
Surface tension causes liquid molecules to attract each other; surfactant produced by type 2 cells reduces this surface tension in alveoli.
Surfactant deficiency conditions include RDS, ARDS, pneumonia, pulmonary lavage, and pulmonary embolism.
LaPlace's law relates surface tension to alveoli radius and distending pressure, influencing lung mechanics.

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Description

Prepare for your RCP 110 Exam I with this comprehensive study guide focused on the anatomy and physiology of the upper airways. Review the primary components, functions, and conditions related to the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, oral cavity, larynx, and pharynx. This guide also emphasizes critical conditions like nasal flaring during respiratory distress.