Podcast
Questions and Answers
What occurs in the sinuses during an infection?
What occurs in the sinuses during an infection?
- Mucus accumulates, causing increased pressure (correct)
- Air passages become dry and blocked
- Inflammation leads to reduced mucus production
- Swollen tissues prevent airflow altogether
Which structure serves as a passageway for both food and air?
Which structure serves as a passageway for both food and air?
- Laryngopharynx (correct)
- Nasopharynx
- Oropharynx
- Trachea
Where does the auditory or eustachian tube open?
Where does the auditory or eustachian tube open?
- In the oropharynx
- In the trachea
- In the laryngopharynx
- In the nasopharynx (correct)
Which feature distinguishes the oropharynx?
Which feature distinguishes the oropharynx?
What is one of the functions of the larynx?
What is one of the functions of the larynx?
What is primarily considered the upper respiratory tract?
What is primarily considered the upper respiratory tract?
Which process is NOT a function of the respiratory system?
Which process is NOT a function of the respiratory system?
What structures make up the conducting zones of the respiratory system?
What structures make up the conducting zones of the respiratory system?
Which of the following best describes external respiration?
Which of the following best describes external respiration?
What is the primary role of the respiratory system in relation to carbon dioxide?
What is the primary role of the respiratory system in relation to carbon dioxide?
Which part of the respiratory tract is responsible for the absorption of oxygen?
Which part of the respiratory tract is responsible for the absorption of oxygen?
What defines the respiratory zones in the respiratory system?
What defines the respiratory zones in the respiratory system?
Which of the following is NOT part of the gas exchange processes in the respiratory system?
Which of the following is NOT part of the gas exchange processes in the respiratory system?
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Study Notes
Functions of the Respiratory System
- Supplies oxygen for cellular metabolism and removes carbon dioxide, a metabolic waste product.
- Facilitates gas exchange; oxygen enters the blood while carbon dioxide exits into the air.
- Involves ventilation (breathing), external respiration (gas exchange in lungs), and internal respiration (gas exchange in cells).
- Regulates body pH levels.
- Produces voice through the larynx.
- Contributes to the sense of smell (olfaction) and provides innate immunity.
Structural Anatomy of the Respiratory System
Upper Respiratory Tract
- Comprises parts outside the thorax and above the sternal angle, including the nose, pharynx, and larynx.
- Airway is above the glottis or vocal cords.
Lower Respiratory Tract
- Extends from the trachea down to the lungs.
Functional Anatomy of the Respiratory System
Conducting Zones (Dead Space)
- Respiratory passages from the nose to terminal bronchioles designed for air passage, not gas exchange.
Respiratory Zones
- Site for oxygen absorption and carbon dioxide removal from the blood.
- Includes respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli, starting from terminal bronchioles.
Key Components of the Upper Respiratory Tract
-
Nose: Primary air entry point, filtering and humidifying air.
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Sinuses: Air-filled cavities; inflammation due to infection can lead to increased mucus production.
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Pharynx: Divided into three regions:
- Nasopharynx:
- Located posterior to choanae, above soft palate.
- Contains auditory tube opening and pharyngeal tonsil; serves as an air passageway.
- Oropharynx:
- Extends from uvula to epiglottis; shared passage for food and air.
- Contains palatine and lingual tonsils.
- Laryngopharynx:
- Passes posterior to larynx, connecting to the esophagus; acts as a common pathway for food and air.
- Nasopharynx:
-
Larynx (Voice Box):
- Positioned in the anterior throat, connecting the pharynx to the trachea.
- Functions as an air passage, voice production, and serves as a sphincter for the lower respiratory tract.
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