Respiratory System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the paranasal sinuses?

To enhance the sense of smell

To lighten the skull (correct)

To filter harmful particles from air

To produce hormones

Which structure separates the nasal cavity from the oral cavity?

Pharynx

Larynx

Hard palate (correct)

Soft palate

What is the role of the epiglottis during swallowing?

To route food into the esophagus (correct)

To create a vacuum for air intake

To assist in breathing

To initiate the digestive process

Which region of the pharynx is primarily responsible for air passage?

Nasopharynx Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition of the soft palate compared to the hard palate?

Unsupported Signup and view all the answers

What primarily enables oxygen to enter the blood and carbon dioxide to enter the alveoli?

Diffusion across the respiratory membrane Signup and view all the answers

Which function is NOT a role of surfactant in the respiratory system?

Transporting carbon dioxide in the bloodstream Signup and view all the answers

Which event in respiration involves the movement of air into and out of the lungs?

Pulmonary ventilation Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of alveolar macrophages in the respiratory system?

Protecting by removing debris and pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes external respiration from internal respiration?

It occurs between alveoli and blood vessels Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of patients with chronic bronchitis?

Patients are typically referred to as 'blue bloaters' Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes emphysema?

Alveoli walls are destroyed leading to overinflation Signup and view all the answers

What is the leading cause of lung cancer?

Smoking tobacco Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change occurs in patients with respiratory acidosis due to COPD?

They retain carbon dioxide in the body Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lung cancer is characterized by rapid metastasis?

Small cell lung carcinoma Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the alveoli in the respiratory system?

To facilitate gas exchange Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the bronchi?

The right bronchus is wider and straighter than the left Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of pleural fluid in the thoracic cavity?

It decreases friction during breathing Signup and view all the answers

How many lobes are present in the left lung of the human body?

Two lobes Signup and view all the answers

What primarily composes the walls of the alveoli?

Simple squamous epithelial cells Signup and view all the answers

Which structure serves as a conduit to and from the respiratory zone?

Bronchioles Signup and view all the answers

Where do the main bronchi enter the lung?

At the hilum Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the pulmonary capillaries in relation to the alveoli?

To form the air-blood barrier Signup and view all the answers

Which structure plays a protective role by routing food and air appropriately in the body?

Epiglottis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the pharyngotympanic tubes?

Drain the middle ear Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tonsils are located at the base of the tongue?

Lingual tonsils Signup and view all the answers

What is the major role of the ciliated mucosa lining the trachea?

To trap and expel debris Signup and view all the answers

Which cartilage forms the prominent structure often referred to as the Adam's apple?

Thyroid cartilage Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the alveoli in the lungs?

To exchange gases between the blood and external environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the glottis composed of?

The vocal cords and the opening between them Signup and view all the answers

Where are the palatine tonsils located?

In the oropharynx at the end of the soft palate Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the respiratory system includes the trachea?

Lower respiratory tract Signup and view all the answers

What happens to cilia in the respiratory system due to smoking?

They get damaged Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of respiratory mucosa found in the nasal cavity?

To chemically destroy bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes conchae?

They increase the surface area and air turbulence in the nasal cavity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of warming incoming air in the respiratory system?

To facilitate optimal gas exchange in the alveoli Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the respiratory system is primarily responsible for the purification of incoming air?

Nasal cavity Signup and view all the answers

What divides the nasal cavity into two parts?

Nasal septum Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the upper respiratory tract?

It consists of passageways from the nose to the larynx. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Words

Ventilation
Sinus
Bronchus
Respiratory membrane
Diaphragm
Internal respiration
Pharynx
Larynx
Diffusion
Trachea
Surfactant
Alveolus
External respiration
Respiratory mucosa
Pleura

Learning Objectives

Define key terminology related to the respiratory system
Name components of the respiratory system and describe their anatomical and physiological features
Describe how air is modified as it enters the respiratory system
Know the location and functions of the three regions of the pharynx
Describe the structure and function of the epiglottis
Describe the structure and function of the lungs at the gross and microscopic (alveolar) levels
Describe pressure and volume changes during pulmonary ventilation (expiration and inspiration)
Understand the neural regulation of respiration
Understand the non-neural factors that affect respiration
Describe alveolar gas exchange via the respiratory membrane and its structure
Describe the makeup and function of surfactant
Define and discuss internal and external respiration

Organs of the Respiratory System

Nose
Pharynx
Larynx
Trachea
Bronchi
Lungs (alveoli)

Functional Anatomy of the Respiratory System

Gas exchange occurs at the alveoli
Upper respiratory tract = passageways from nose to larynx
Lower respiratory tract = passageways from trachea to alveoli
Air purification, humidification, and warming occur in the passageways

The Nose

Only externally visible part of the respiratory system
Nostrils (nares) are the entry points
Nasal cavity is the interior space
Nasal septum divides the nasal cavity
Olfactory receptors allow for smell
Respiratory mucosa moistens and warms air and filters particles

The Nose (cont.)

Conchae are projections from the lateral walls, increasing surface area for air turbulence
Turbulence aids in warming, humidification, and filtering inhaled air
Palatine and hard palate separate nasal from oral cavity

The Pharynx

Commonly called the throat
Muscular passageway from nasal cavity to larynx
Three regions:
- Nasopharynx
- Oropharynx
- Laryngopharynx
Oropharynx and laryngopharynx are common passageways for air and food
Epiglottis prevents food from entering airways

The Larynx

Commonly called the voice box
Routes air and food into proper channels (along with role in speech)
Composed of rigid hyaline cartilages (including thyroid cartilage - Adam's apple)
Epiglottis a spoon-shaped flap that prevents food from entering the larynx during swallowing

The Trachea

Commonly called the windpipe
4-inch long tube connecting to the larynx
C-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage keep it open
Lined with ciliated mucosa
Cilia move mucus upward to expel debris

The Main Bronchi

Formed by division of the trachea
Right bronchus wider and straighter than left; easier for objects to lodge there
Enter lung at the hilum (medial depression)

The Lungs

Occupy thoracic cavity except the mediastinum
Apex near the clavicle (superior) and base rests on the diaphragm
Right lung has 3 lobes; Left lung has 2 lobes
Serosa (pulmonary and parietal pleura) surrounds each lung, reducing friction during breathing

Respiratory Zone Structures and the Respiratory Membrane

Terminal bronchioles lead to alveoli (site for gas exchange)
Alveoli are air sacs with thin walls made of simple squamous epithelium
Pulmonary capillaries cover the external surfaces of alveoli
Respiratory membrane is the air-blood barrier formed by the alveolar and capillary walls (where gas exchange occurs through diffusion)

Alveolar Macrophages

Also called dust cells
Protect by picking up debris
Keep alveoli clean

Respiratory Physiology

Four events of respiration:
- Pulmonary ventilation (breathing)
- External respiration
- Respiratory gas transport
- Internal respiration

Mechanics of Breathing

Pulmonary ventilation
Two distinct phases: inspiration (inhalation) and expiration (exhalation)
Volume changes in the thoracic cavity create corresponding pressure changes. Air moves from high to low pressure

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities

Factors affecting respiratory capacity (size, sex, age, physical condition)

Nonrespiratory Air Movements

Coughing, sneezing, crying, laughing, hiccups, and yawning

External Respiration, Gas Transport, and Internal Respiration

Gas exchange via diffusion
External respiration is gas exchange between alveoli and pulmonary blood
Internal respiration is gas exchange between pulmonary blood and tissue cells

Gas Transport in the Blood

Oxygen travels attached to hemoglobin forming oxyhemoglobin (HbO2)
Small percentage dissolves in plasma
Most carbon dioxide is transported as bicarbonate ion (HCO3-)

Internal Respiration

Exchange of gases between blood and tissue cells

Control of Respiration

Neural regulation sets basic rhythm for breathing
Respiratory rate is set up via control centers in the medulla and pons
Normal rate is 12-15 respirations per minute

Non-neural factors affecting respiratory rate and depth

Physical factors
Chemical factors: CO2 levels
Chemical factors: Oxygen levels

Respiratory Disorders

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema
Lung cancer

Developmental Aspects of the Respiratory System

Lungs do not inflate fully until 2 weeks after birth
Respiratory rate changes throughout life
Surfactant is necessary for lung function

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Description

This quiz covers essential terminology and key components of the respiratory system. You'll explore anatomical features, the functions of various structures such as the pharynx, larynx, and lungs, and understand the processes of ventilation and gas exchange. Test your knowledge on how air is modified and the mechanisms of respiration.