Respiratory System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What structure supports the trachea and maintains its shape?

  • Dense connective tissue
  • C-shaped hyaline cartilages (correct)
  • Elastic fibers
  • Muscular walls

Where does the trachea bifurcate into the right and left bronchi?

  • At the base of the lungs
  • At the inlet of the larynx
  • At the level of the diaphragm
  • At the level of the sternal angle (correct)

What is the primary reason the right lung is shorter than the left lung?

  • Size of the left lobe of the lung
  • Presence of the heart
  • The number of bronchial branches
  • The right lobe of the liver pushing it superiorly (correct)

How many lobes does the right lung have?

<p>Three lobes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of the costal surface of the lung?

<p>Large, smooth, and convex (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which surface of the lung is related to the pericardium and heart?

<p>Mediastinal surface (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature differentiates the left lung from the right lung?

<p>It has two lobes instead of three (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of pleura surrounding each lung?

<p>To provide protection and reduce friction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the hilum of the lung?

<p>It allows structures to enter or exit the lung. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes a difference between the right lung and the left lung?

<p>The right lung has two fissures and three lobes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What composes the pleura surrounding the lungs?

<p>Outer parietal and inner visceral layers. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the diaphragm?

<p>To aid in the mechanics of breathing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure passes through the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm?

<p>Aorta. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of the pleural cavity?

<p>It allows for the expansion and contraction of the lungs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of intercostal muscle is the outermost layer?

<p>External intercostal muscle. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity?

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

Which structure is NOT part of the upper respiratory system?

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

What is the primary function of the paranasal sinuses?

<p>Increasing surface area for olfaction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the pharynx lies behind the oral cavity?

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

Which of the following is NOT a region of the nasal cavity?

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

How many types of paranasal sinuses are mentioned?

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

Which part of the larynx acts as a phonation box?

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

What condition is characterized by inflammation of the nasal cavity?

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

Which region of the pharynx connects the nasal cavity to the esophagus?

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

Flashcards

What structures make up the upper respiratory system?

The upper respiratory system encompasses the nose, nasal cavity, laryngopharynx, and larynx.

What structures make up the lower respiratory system?

The lower respiratory system includes the trachea, bronchi, bronchial tree, and lungs.

What is the external nose?

The external nose is the visible part of the nose with two openings called nostrils.

What is the nasal cavity?

The nasal cavity extends behind the nostrils and connects to the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat.

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What are paranasal sinuses?

The paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities in the skull that lighten the skull, help with sound resonance, and warm and humidify the air we breathe.

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What is the pharynx?

The pharynx is a muscular tube located at the back of the mouth and nose that connects the nasal cavity, oral cavity, larynx, and esophagus.

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What is the larynx?

The larynx is a complex structure in the neck responsible for sound production (voice box) and air passage to the lungs.

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What are the three parts of the pharynx?

The nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx are the three distinct sections of the pharynx.

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What supports the trachea?

The trachea, which extends from the larynx to the bronchi, is supported by C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings. These rings are connected by a smooth muscle called the trachealis muscle.

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How many lobes does each lung have?

The right lung has three lobes (superior, middle, and inferior), while the left lung has only two lobes (superior and inferior). This difference is due to the position of the heart and the liver.

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What makes up the larynx?

The larynx, or voice box, is an intricate structure made up of various cartilages, membranes, ligaments, and muscles. It is essential for breathing, sound production, and protecting the airway.

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What creates sound in the larynx?

Located within the larynx, the vocal folds (or cords) are responsible for producing sound by vibrating when air passes over them. The pitch of the sound is determined by the tension of the vocal folds.

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What are the branches of the trachea called?

The bronchi are the large airways branching off from the trachea into the lungs. Each primary bronchus further divides into smaller and smaller branches within the lungs, forming the bronchial tree.

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What is the protective membrane surrounding each lung?

The pleura is a thin membrane that encloses each lung, providing lubrication and protection. It consists of two layers: the visceral pleura (lining the lung) and the parietal pleura (lining the chest cavity).

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What is the shape of the lung's base?

Each lung has a concave diaphragmatic surface, which rests on the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle that assists with breathing.

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Where do structures connect to the lung?

The hilum of the lung is a region on the mediastinal surface where the structures that connect to the lung (bronchi, blood vessels, nerves) enter and exit. This is the 'root' of the lung.

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What is the hilum of the lung?

The hilum is a wedge-shaped area on the mediastinal surface of each lung. It's where structures forming the root of the lung pass in and out, like a doorway for vital connections.

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How do the lobes and fissures differ between the left and right lungs?

The right lung has two fissures (transverse and oblique) dividing it into three lobes: upper, middle, and lower. The left lung has one fissure (oblique) and two lobes: upper and lower.

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What is the pleura and how is it structured?

The pleura is a serous sac surrounding the lungs. It consists of two layers: the outer parietal layer lining the chest cavity and the inner visceral layer covering lung tissue. These layers are separated by a small space called the pleural cavity.

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What are some common clinical conditions affecting the pleura?

Pleuritis, pneumothorax, and hemothorax are conditions affecting the pleura. Pleuritis involves inflammation, pneumothorax involves air in the pleural cavity, and hemothorax involves blood in the pleural cavity.

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What is the diaphragm and its function?

The diaphragm is a musculotendinous structure that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities. It's crucial for breathing by contracting and relaxing to change the volume of the chest cavity.

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Describe the structure and attachment of the diaphragm.

The diaphragm has two parts: the muscular part, which is fixed, and the central part, which is movable. The muscular fibers radiate towards the center, forming the central tendon, which lacks bony attachments.

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What are the three openings in the diaphragm?

The diaphragm has three openings: the aortic hiatus (T12) for the aorta, the esophageal hiatus (T10) for the esophagus, and the caval opening (T8) for the inferior vena cava.

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What are intercostal muscles and their role in breathing?

Intercostal muscles are found between the ribs and play a vital role in breathing. The external intercostals help with inspiration, while the internal intercostals aid in expiration.

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Study Notes

Respiratory System Overview

  • The respiratory system is composed of upper and lower parts
  • Upper respiratory tract includes nose, nasal cavity, laryngopharynx, and larynx
  • Lower respiratory tract includes trachea, bronchi, and lungs

The Nose

  • The external nose comprises two elliptical openings (nostrils)
  • The lateral margin (ala nasi) is rounded and mobile
  • The nasal cavity extends from the nostrils to the posterior nasal apertures (choanae), connecting to the nasopharynx
  • Nasal cavity regions include the vestibule, olfactory region, and respiratory region

Regions of the Nasal Cavity

  • The vestibule is the anterior portion of the nasal cavity
  • The respiratory region is involved in warming and humidifying inspired air
  • The olfactory region contains olfactory receptors for smell

Paranasal Sinuses

  • Air cavities in the skull bones surrounding the nose, opening into the lateral nasal cavity
  • Sinuses include frontal, ethmoidal, sphenoidal, and maxillary
  • Functions: humidifying and warming inspired air, regulating intranasal pressure, increasing surface area for olfaction, lightening the skull, resonance, and contributing to facial growth

Clinical Notes (Nasal Cavity)

  • Epistaxis (nosebleed)
  • Rhinorrhea (runny nose)
  • Rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes)

Little's (Kiesselbach's) Area

  • An area within the nasal septum vulnerable to bleeding due to its abundance of small blood vessels

Clinical Notes (Paranasal Sinuses)

  • Sinusitis (inflammation of the paranasal sinuses)

The Pharynx

  • A muscular tube behind the oral, nasal, and laryngeal cavities
  • The pharynx extends from the base of the skull to the lower border of the cricoid cartilage, connecting to the esophagus
  • Three parts: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx

Nasopharynx

  • Upper part of the pharynx, lying behind the nasal cavity
  • Auditory tubes open into the lateral wall of the nasopharynx

Oropharynx

  • Middle portion of the pharynx, located behind the oral cavity
  • Contains palatine tonsils and uvula

Laryngopharynx (Hypopharynx)

  • Lower part of the pharynx; extends from the hyoid bone to the cricoid cartilage, continuing into the esophagus

Larynx

  • A phonation box and air passage in the middle anterior part of the neck
  • Cartilages, membranes, and muscles form the larynx
  • Contains vocal folds (cords) that vibrate to produce sound

Lower Respiratory Tract

  • Trachea: 10 cm long fibromuscular tube supported by C-shaped hyaline cartilages; connects larynx and bronchi
  • Bronchi and Bronchial Tree: begin at sternal angle, branching to smaller bronchioles
  • Lungs: paired; covered by pleura within the thoracic cavity; have lobes (right has 3, left 2); contain structures in the hilum which are responsible for the entry and exit of respiratory structures to the lung: vessels (to and from the heart), nerves and bronchial tubes.

Lung

  • Located in the thoracic cavity; covered by pleura and protected by the thoracic skeleton
  • Apex, broad base/inferior surface, sharp anterior border, and sharp inferior border
  • Thoracic, diaphragmatic and mediastinal surfaces

Surfaces of the Lung

  • Costal surface: large, smooth, and convex; related to ribs, costal cartilages, and innermost intercostal muscles
  • Mediastinal surface: concave; related to the middle mediastinum (pericardium and heart); includes the hilum (where structures enter/exit)
  • Diaphragmatic surface: concave; forms the base of the lung, resting on the diaphragm

Differences Between Lungs

  • Right lung: three lobes, shorter, broader, straighter anterior border, weighs about 700g
  • Left lung: two lobes, longer, narrower, anterior border interrupted by the cardiac notch, weighs about 600g

Pleura

  • Serous sac investing the lungs
  • Outer parietal layer and inner visceral layer; separated by the pleural cavity

Physiology of Breathing

  • Movement of air in and out of the lungs (contraction and relaxation of respiratory muscles, creating negative/positive pressures)

Clinical Notes (Lungs)

  • Pleuritis (inflammation of the pleura)
  • Pneumothorax (air in the pleural cavity)
  • Hemothorax (blood in the pleural cavity)

Radio-Anatomy of the Lungs

  • Imaging tools to visualize the lung structures, tissues and airways

Diaphragm

  • Musculotendinous; divided into muscular and central tendon part
  • Stabilizes vital organs in the rib cage and aids in breathing; no bone attachments
  • Three openings: aortic (level of T12), esophageal (level of T10), and caval (level of T8)

Intercostal Muscles

  • Muscles between ribs (external, internal, and innermost) assisting in respiration

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