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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of cellular respiration?
What is the primary purpose of cellular respiration?
To produce ATP using oxygen and generate carbon dioxide as waste
The diaphragm contracts during expiration.
The diaphragm contracts during expiration.
False
What is the primary function of the Carotid and aortic bodies in the respiratory system?
What is the primary function of the Carotid and aortic bodies in the respiratory system?
The trachea is a flexible cylindrical __________.
The trachea is a flexible cylindrical __________.
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What are the symptoms of bronchoconstriction?
What are the symptoms of bronchoconstriction?
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Match the following regions of the pharynx with their descriptions:
Match the following regions of the pharynx with their descriptions:
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Which receptors are involved in bronchodilation?
Which receptors are involved in bronchodilation?
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Sensitization to allergens is a key feature of extrinsic asthma.
Sensitization to allergens is a key feature of extrinsic asthma.
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Diagnostic spirometry helps determine whether there is airflow __________ and whether it is reversible over the short term.
Diagnostic spirometry helps determine whether there is airflow __________ and whether it is reversible over the short term.
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Which are common triggers of asthma?
Which are common triggers of asthma?
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What are the functions of the upper respiratory system?
What are the functions of the upper respiratory system?
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What are the functions of the lower respiratory system?
What are the functions of the lower respiratory system?
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What is the role of alveoli in the respiratory system?
What is the role of alveoli in the respiratory system?
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The ___ are located at the end of each bronchiole and facilitate gas exchange.
The ___ are located at the end of each bronchiole and facilitate gas exchange.
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What are the parts of the upper respiratory system? Choose the correct option.
What are the parts of the upper respiratory system? Choose the correct option.
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Where is the trachea located in the respiratory system? Choose the correct option.
Where is the trachea located in the respiratory system? Choose the correct option.
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Alveoli have thick walls to facilitate gas exchange. Is this statement true or false?
Alveoli have thick walls to facilitate gas exchange. Is this statement true or false?
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Study Notes
Respiratory System
- The respiratory system consists of two parts: the upper respiratory system and the lower respiratory system.
Upper Respiratory System
- The upper respiratory system consists of two parts: the nose and nasal cavity, and the pharynx.
- Functions of the upper respiratory system:
- Passageway for respiration
- Receptors for smell
- Filters incoming air to filter larger foreign material
- Moistens and warms incoming air
- Resonating chambers for voice
Nose
- The nose provides entrance for air and is divided into two portions: external nares (choanae) and internal nares.
- The external nose is supported by bone and cartilage, covered with skin, and lined with mucus membrane.
- The internal nose is a large cavity in the skull, merging with the external nose anteriorly and communicating with the throat posteriorly.
Nasal Cavity
- The nasal cavity is the entrance of the respiratory system.
- The nasal cavity is divided medially by the nasal septum and contains cilia and sticky mucus membrane to filter particles.
- The nasal cavity is divided into three parts: nasal vestibule, superior part surrounded by bone, and vertical partition (nasal septum).
Trachea
- The trachea is a long tube connecting the mouth and nasal cavity to the rest of the respiratory system.
- The trachea branches off into two bronchi, one for each lung.
Bronchi
- The bronchi divide into smaller tubes called bronchioles.
- Each bronchus enters each lung.
Bronchioles
- The bronchioles are smaller tubes that the air passes through.
- There are millions of bronchioles in the lungs.
Alveoli
- Alveoli are located at the end of each bronchiole.
- Alveoli are air sacs that facilitate gas exchange.
- Features of alveoli:
- Thin walls to reduce the distance for diffusion
- Walls are only one cell thick
- Large surface area for gas exchange
- Moist surface to facilitate gas exchange
- Surrounded by capillaries for a rich blood supply
Respiratory Cycle
- The respiratory cycle consists of four processes:
- Breathing (ventilation): air in and out of the lungs
- External respiration: gas exchange between air and blood
- Internal respiration: gas exchange between blood and tissues
- Cellular respiration: oxygen use to produce ATP, carbon dioxide as waste
Respiratory Center
- The respiratory center is located in the medulla oblongata.
- The respiratory center establishes the basic breathing pattern.
- Chemical receptors monitor carbon dioxide, hydrogen ions, and oxygen levels.
Inspiration and Expiration
- Inspiration: diaphragm contracts, intercostal muscles contract, chest wall expands, and air is pulled into the lungs.
- Expiration: diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, chest wall descends, and air is expelled from the lungs.
Pharynx
- The pharynx is a funnel-shaped tube that connects the nasal cavity to the larynx.
- The pharynx is lined with mucus membrane and has three regions: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.
Larynx
- The larynx is the voice box that conducts air into the lower respiratory tract and produces voice.
- The larynx has three unpaired cartilages: thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis, and three paired cartilages: arytenoid, cuneiform, and corniculate.
Lungs
- The lungs are located in the thoracic cavity and occupy most of the space.
- The left lung is divided into two lobes by an oblique fissure and is smaller than the right lung.
- The right lung is divided into three lobes by an oblique and horizontal fissure.
- Blood supply in the lungs:
- Pulmonary circulation supplies deoxygenated blood pumped from the right ventricle and is carried by pulmonary arteries.
- When blood passes through capillaries of alveoli, it becomes oxygenated.
Chronic Airway Inflammation
- Chronic airway inflammation is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways.
- Characteristics:
- Recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, particularly at night or in the early morning.
- Widespread but variable airflow obstruction that is often reversible either spontaneously or with treatment.
- Pathophysiology:
- Increased smooth muscle cell proliferation and hypertrophy leading to thickening of the airway wall.
- Increased mucus production.
- Airway edema.
- Presence of inflammatory mediators may increase airway reactivity and induce bronchospasm.
Bronchoconstriction and Bronchodilation
- Bronchoconstriction:
- Cholinergic (vagal) innervation.
- Adenosine A1 receptors.
- α-Adrenergic pathways.
- Irritant receptors.
- Bronchodilation:
- β-Adrenergic (β2) receptors.
- Adenosine A2 receptors.
Symptoms of Chronic Airway Inflammation
- Wheezing due to airstream turbulence and vibration of mucus.
- Rapid breathing and shortness of breath (dyspnea).
- Coughing.
- Chest tightness.
- Hyperinflation of the thorax.
Extrinsic Factors
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Sensitization to allergens is a key feature.
-
Decreased childhood infections inhibit normal development of the immune system, leading to increases in allergic responses.
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Increased indoor play and exposure to indoor allergens may contribute to chronic airway inflammation.### Asthma Overview
-
Asthma usually begins in childhood, but can also occur in adults, although it is less common.
-
It is often associated with atopy, a predisposition to developing allergies.
Types of Asthma
- Intrinsic Asthma: More common in adults, not associated with atopy, and may be triggered by infection, exercise, inhaling cold air, or emotional factors.
- Intrinsic Asthma: Patients may have nasal polyps, aspirin sensitivity, and sinusitis.
Asthma Triggers
- Allergens: pollen, house dust mites, pet dander, cockroach antigens, and cigarette smoke.
- Other Triggers: perfume and other chemicals, viral infections, cold air, exercise, and aspirin.
Diagnosis of Asthma
- Spirometry: Helps determine airflow obstruction and reversibility, valuable in children over 4 years old, but some children may not be able to conduct the maneuver until after 7 years old.
- Spirometry Measurements: FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC are taken before and after the patient inhales a short-acting bronchodilator.
Symptoms of Asthma
- Nocturnal Symptoms: Symptoms occur or worsen at night, awakening the patient.
- Key Indicators: Symptoms occur or worsen in the presence of exercise, viral infection, animals, house-dust mites, mold, pollen, smoke, changes in weather, and strong emotional expression.
Goals of Asthma Management
- Prevent chronic symptoms: Maintain normal/near normal pulmonary function, normal activity level, and prevent recurrent exacerbations.
- Minimize hospital admissions: Meet patients' expectations of and satisfaction with care.
Asthma Medications
- Quick Relievers: Short-acting beta 2 agonist inhalers.
- Long-term Controllers: Inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta 2 agonist inhalers, oral beta 2 agonists, Theophylline, cromolyn/nedcromil, and leukotriene modifiers.
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Description
Quiz about the upper respiratory system, including its parts and associated structures. Learn about the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and more!
