Respiratory System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of the respiratory system?

  • To provide oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide (correct)
  • To regulate temperature and produce heat
  • To facilitate digestion and metabolism
  • To distribute nutrients throughout the body

Which structure is part of the upper respiratory tract?

  • Alveoli
  • Trachea
  • Nose (correct)
  • Bronchioles

During which process does gas exchange primarily occur?

  • Inspiration
  • Expiration
  • At the alveoli (correct)
  • In the bronchi

What prevents gas exchange in the conducting division of the respiratory system?

<p>Thick walls of passages (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one function of the nasal cavity?

<p>Odor detection (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the nose is responsible for its structural support?

<p>Hyaline cartilage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What separates the left and right halves of the nasal cavity?

<p>Nasal septum (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the respiratory system contribute to acid-base balance?

<p>By controlling ventilation rates (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Facilitating gas exchange with blood (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure serves as the entry point for airborne substances?

<p>Nostrils (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three regions of the pharynx?

<p>Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, Laryngopharynx (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the larynx?

<p>Preventing food and drink from entering the airway (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do the vocal cords play during phonation?

<p>Narrowing to create sound (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is involved in directing food and drink into the esophagus?

<p>Epiglottis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What separates the superior lobe from the middle lobe of the right lung?

<p>Horizontal fissure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the hilum of the lung?

<p>The place where structures enter and exit the lung (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many cartilages make up the framework of the larynx?

<p>Nine cartilages (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the pleura surrounds the lung tissue?

<p>Pleura visceralis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component helps to prevent friction between the layers of pleura?

<p>Serous fluid (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate length of the trachea?

<p>12 cm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Inspiration

The process of breathing in, where air is drawn into the lungs.

Expiration

The process of breathing out, where air is expelled from the lungs.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs within the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Upper Respiratory Tract

The part of the respiratory system that includes the nose, pharynx, and larynx.

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Lower Respiratory Tract

The part of the respiratory system that includes the trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

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Gas Exchange

The process of gas exchange between the air in the alveoli and the blood in the capillaries.

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Air Conditioning

The nasal cavity's function of warming, cleaning, and humidifying inhaled air.

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Cellular Respiration

The process of using oxygen and producing carbon dioxide as part of energy production.

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ATP

The major energy currency of the body.

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Homeostasis

A state of balance within the body.

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Nasal Conchae (Turbinates)

Three bony scrolls covered by mucous membrane in the nasal cavity; increase surface area for air contact and turbulence, ensuring most air touches the mucous membrane.

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Meatus

Narrow air passage beneath each nasal concha; helps to direct airflow and warm/humidify air.

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Pharynx (Throat)

Muscular funnel that connects the nasal cavity to the larynx; involved in breathing, swallowing, and speech.

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Nasopharynx

Part of the pharynx located above the soft palate; functions in breathing and sound resonance.

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Oropharynx

Middle portion of the pharynx; connects to the mouth and is involved in breathing and swallowing.

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Laryngopharynx

Lowermost portion of the pharynx; connects to the larynx and esophagus.

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Larynx (Voice Box)

Cartilaginous chamber that connects the pharynx to the trachea; prevents food and drink from entering the airway and produces sound.

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Epiglottis

Flap of cartilage that covers the opening of the larynx during swallowing; prevents food from entering the trachea.

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Glottis

Space between the two vocal cords in the larynx; widens during inhalation and narrows during phonation.

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Trachea (Windpipe)

Tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi; carries air to and from the lungs.

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Study Notes

Respiratory System

  • Breathing is essential for life, marking the beginning and end of most human experiences
  • Respiration is driven by the need for ATP production, which relies on oxygen and generates carbon dioxide as byproducts
  • The respiratory system comprises tubes transporting air to the lungs, where oxygen is absorbed and carbon dioxide is expelled from the blood.

Main Functions

  • Gas exchange: taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide
  • Communication: voice production
  • Olfaction: sense of smell
  • Acid-base balance: regulating blood acidity
  • Blood pressure regulation
  • Expulsion of abdominal contents

Components of the Respiratory System

  • Upper Respiratory Tract
    • Nose: warms, filters, and moistens air; detects odors; amplifies voice
    • Nasal Cavity: further warms, filters, and humidifies inhaled air; composed of superior, middle, and inferior nasal conchae, creating turbulence
    • Pharynx (Throat): passage for air and food; divided into nasopharynx (air only), oropharynx (air and food), and laryngopharynx (air and food)
    • Larynx: voice box; prevents food from entering the trachea; houses vocal cords
  • Lower Respiratory Tract
    • Trachea (Windpipe): reinforced with C-shaped cartilage rings; conducts air to bronchi
    • Bronchi: branches of the trachea; conduct air to bronchioles
    • Bronchioles: progressively smaller branches of the bronchi
    • Alveoli: tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs; extremely thin walls for efficient gas exchange
    • Lungs: paired organs where gas exchange takes place; composed of millions of alveoli, bronchioles, and associated blood vessels

Additional Details

  • Nose: Divided into two halves (nasal fossae) by the nasal septum
  • Nasal Cavity: Warms, filters, and humidifies air
  • Pharynx: Shared pathway for air and food
  • Larynx: Contains vocal cords, responsible for sound production (voice)
  • Trachea: Cartilaginous rings support and maintain its shape; it's important for the flow of air
  • Bronchi: Bifurcate into right and left bronchi leading to the lungs
  • Lungs: Contain branching bronchioles and millions of alveoli; primary organs for gas exchange
  • Alveoli: Tiny air sacs; surrounded by capillaries; site of gas exchange between air and blood.
  • Diaphragm: A dome-shaped muscle that contrasts, creating a vacuum, moving air into and out of the lungs
  • Pleura: Double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs, reducing friction during breathing
  • Breathing: The process of inhaling and exhaling; involves the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contracting.

Lungs

  • Apex: Upper pointed part of the lung
  • Three surfaces of the Lungs: Face diaphragmatica (lower surface); Face Costalis (Outer surface); Face mediastinalis (internal surface)
  • Root of the lungs: The structures (bronchi, vessels, nerves) entering and leaving the lungs
  • Pulmonary tissue: Site of gas exchange
  • Right lung: Three lobes (superior, middle, inferior) -separated by fissures
  • Left lung: Two lobes (superior, inferior) (separation by fissure)

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