12 Questions
Where does the upper respiratory tract end?
At the level of the vocal cords
What is the function of the epiglottis?
To close over the airway during swallowing
Which part of the pharynx is shared by the respiratory and digestive systems?
Laryngopharynx
What is the function of the lower respiratory tract?
To exchange gases with the blood
What lines the trachea to help with the removal of foreign particles?
Ciliated epithelial cells and smooth muscle cells
What distinguishes bronchioles from bronchi?
Size and lack of cartilage
Which muscle is the main one responsible for breathing?
Diaphragm
Where in the lungs does gas exchange primarily take place?
Alveoli
Under what conditions are accessory muscles primarily used?
During exercising
Which circulation system carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs for gas exchange?
Pulmonary circulation
What do intercostal muscles do during inhalation?
Contract and pull lower rib up and outwards
What is the primary function of bronchial circulation?
Provide oxygenated blood to lung tissue
Study Notes
- The respiratory system is responsible for bringing oxygen into the body and expelling carbon dioxide
- Upper respiratory tract: above the sternal angle and above the level of the vocal cords
- Nasal-oral cavity: first entry point for air, can be through the nose or mouth
- Pharynx: common pathway for both respiratory and digestive systems, consists of three parts: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx
- Epiglottis: flap of connective tissue that closes to cover the airway and prevent aspiration
- Larynx: voice box, plays a vital role in air passageway and vocalization
- Lower respiratory tract: below the trachea, consists of four main parts: trachea, bronchi, lobar bronchi, and bronchioles
- Trachea: two cartilaginous tubes that connect the larynx to the lungs, lined with ciliated epithelial cells and mucus-producing goblet cells
- Bronchi: beginning of segmentation of the lower respiratory tract, divided into primary bronchi (left and right), further divided into lobar bronchi, and lined with ciliated epithelial cells and smooth muscle cells
- Bronchioles: smaller branches of the respiratory tract, no longer contain hyaline cartilage and rely on support from elastic fibers, lined with epithelial cells without glands and surrounded by smooth muscle. Continue to branch out as conducting bronchioles ending in terminal bronchioles.
- Lungs: where gas exchange takes place, contain alveoli, the smallest functional unit within the respiratory tract and the site of gas exchange. Contains a massive surface area for gas exchange.
- Diaphragm: main muscle responsible for breathing, a thin dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and located at the base of the lungs. Contracts during inspiration, relaxes during expiration.
- Intercostal muscles: play an important role in respiration, control the width of the ribcage, contract and pull the lower rib up and outwards towards the upper rib, aiding in inhalation.
- Accessory muscles: assist but don't play a primary role in respiration, only used under conditions of high metabolic demands such as exercising or respiratory dysfunction.
- Pulmonary circulation: low-pressure system, carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs for gas exchange, consists of pulmonary arteries and pulmonary veins.
- Bronchial circulation: high-pressure system, provides oxygenated blood to the lung tissue, comes from the systemic circulation and consists of bronchial arteries and veins. Creates a small physiological shunt by returning deoxygenated blood to the left side of the heart.
Test your knowledge on the structure and function of the respiratory system, including parts such as the trachea, bronchi, lungs, and muscles involved in respiration. Learn about the upper and lower respiratory tract anatomy, alveoli, pulmonary circulation, and more.
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