Respiratory System Classification and Functions

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Questions and Answers

What is the trachea?

A glandular organ

A muscular organ

A flexible, slightly rigid tubular organ (correct)

A rigid tubular organ

What separates the primary bronchi at their origin?

The last tracheal ring

The larynx

The esophagus

The carina (correct)

What is the function of the C-shaped tracheal cartilages?

To regulate breathing

To restrict airflow

To support the anterior and lateral walls of the trachea (correct)

To produce mucus

What is the difference between the right and left primary bronchi?

The right primary bronchus is shorter, wider, and more vertically oriented Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the incomplete rings of hyaline cartilage in the primary bronchi?

To ensure the primary bronchi remain open Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the bronchial tree?

To conduct air into the lungs Signup and view all the answers

What enters the hilum of each lung?

Primary bronchi, pulmonary vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves Signup and view all the answers

How many secondary bronchi are there in the right lung?

Three Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main classifications of the respiratory system?

Structural and functional Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange?

Respiratory portion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the upper respiratory tract?

Air transport Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the respiratory system?

Digestion Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of drawing gases into the lungs called?

Inhalation Signup and view all the answers

Which structures are part of the conducting portion of the respiratory system?

Nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of warming, humidifying, and cleaning the air we breathe called?

Gas conditioning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a defense mechanism of the respiratory system?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate diameter of an alveolus?

0.25 to 0.5 millimeter Signup and view all the answers

How many tertiary bronchi supply the left lung?

8 to 10 Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of each lung?

Conical Signup and view all the answers

What is the number of lobes in the right lung?

3 Signup and view all the answers

What structure separates the lungs from each other?

Mediastinum Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the pulmonary veins?

Carry O2-rich blood from the lungs to the heart Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of epithelium that forms the pleura?

Simple squamous epithelium Signup and view all the answers

What is the number of alveoli in the lungs?

300-400 million Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification of Respiratory System

The respiratory system can be classified into two main categories: structural and functional classifications.
Structural classification: upper respiratory tract and lower respiratory tract.
Functional classification: conducting portion and respiratory portion.

Respiratory System Functions

Breathing (pulmonary ventilation): consists of two cyclic phases - inhalation (inspiration) and exhalation (expiration).
Gas exchange: O2 and CO2 between the external environment and blood, and between blood and cells.
Gas conditioning: warming, humidifying, and cleaning of air.
Sound production: movement of air over true vocal cords.
Olfaction: detection of odor molecules.
Defense: protection against pathogens and foreign particles.

Upper Respiratory Tract

Composed of the nose, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx (throat), and associated structures.
All part of the conducting portion of the respiratory system.

Lower Respiratory Tract

Conducting portion: larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.
Respiratory portion: respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli.

Trachea

A flexible, slightly rigid tubular organ.
Extends through the mediastinum, immediately anterior to the esophagus.
Bifurcates into two smaller tubes, called the right and left primary bronchi.

Bronchial Tree

A highly branched system of air-conducting passages.
Originate from the left and right primary bronchi.
Branch into narrower tubes as they diverge throughout the lungs.
Terminates in terminal bronchioles.

Alveolar Ducts and Alveoli

Contain small saccular outpocketings called alveoli.
Alveoli are specialized for gas exchange between the lungs and blood.
Each lung contains approximately 300-400 million alveoli.

Gross Anatomy of the Lungs

Each lung has a conical shape with a wide, concave base.
The apex projects superiorly to a point slightly superior and posterior to the clavicle.
Both lungs are bordered by the thoracic wall and supported by the rib cage.
The lungs are separated from each other by the mediastinum.

Hilus

A medial indentation where structures enter each lung.
Structures entering each lung include: pulmonary veins, pulmonary artery, primary bronchus, nerve plexus, and lymph vessels.

Pleura and Pleural Cavities

The outer surface of each lung and the adjacent internal thoracic wall are lined by a serous membrane called pleura.
The viscera pleura covers the outer surface of each lung, while the parietal pleura lines the internal thoracic walls.

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Description

Learn about the different classification methods of the respiratory system and its functions, including breathing and gas exchange.