Respiratory System Quiz

Study Notes

The respiratory system (ventilatory system) is comprised of the lungs, airways (trachea, bronchi, bronchioles), diaphragm, voice box, throat, nose, and mouth.
Its primary function is to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide.
Anoxia is the total lack of oxygen.
Hypoxia is a decrease in oxygen.
Hypercapnia is an excess of carbon dioxide.

Nose: The entrance point for air. Hair inside the nose acts as a filter, preventing dust, pollen, and allergens from entering the lungs.
Nasal Cavity: Lined with mucus and cilia, which help trap and filter bacteria.
Larynx: Known as the voice box.
Pharynx: Passageway for air.

Lungs: The main function of the lungs is gas exchange, called respiration. The left lung is slightly smaller due to the position of the heart.
Trachea: The windpipe, allows air to pass through the neck and into the throat.
Bronchi & Bronchial Tree: The pathway of air to the alveoli.
Alveoli: The site of gas exchange between the lungs and the bloodstream.

Diaphragm: During inhalation, the diaphragm flattens, increasing the volume of the chest cavity. During exhalation, it relaxes, returning to a dome shape, decreasing the volume of the chest cavity.
Intercostal Muscles: These muscles help expand and contract the rib cage during breathing. Intercostal respiration is the exchange of gases between the blood in capillaries and tissues of the body.
Abdominal Muscles: Help with exhalation.
Muscles in the Neck & Collarbone: Also contribute to breathing.

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries 99% of the oxygen in the blood.

Joint Receptors: Send signals to the medulla oblongata when the body is undergoing strenuous activity.
Medulla Oblongata: Part of the brainstem that controls breathing. It sends signals to the respiratory muscles to increase breathing rate and strength.

Common Causes of Respiratory Infections: Allergens like pollen, dust mites, and animal dander.
Tools for Diagnosing Respiratory Issues:
- Chest X-ray
- Pulmonary Function Test
Symptoms of Respiratory Infections: Watery eyes, runny nose.
Congenital Arhinia: Absence of nose.
Ageing: Can lead to respiratory issues as lungs lose elasticity.
Tuberculosis (TB): A highly infectious bacterial disease that affects the lungs.

Rhinitis: Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the nose.
Sinusitis: Inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses.
Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx.
Tonsilitis: Inflammation of the tonsils.
Epiglottitis: Inflammation of the epiglottis. A tracheotomy may be necessary to prevent fatal complications.
Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the pharynx.

Pneumonia: Inflammation of the lungs.
Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi.
Asthma: Inflammation and constriction of the airways.
Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic mutation that disrupts the CFTR protein, leading to thick mucus buildup.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): A group of lung diseases characterized by airflow obstruction.
Emphysema: A lung disease characterized by damage to the alveoli, causing them to lose their elasticity.