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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
Supplying the body with oxygen and disposing of carbon dioxide.
Which of the following is NOT an organ of the respiratory system?
Which of the following is NOT an organ of the respiratory system?
What is the largest hyaline cartilage in the larynx called?
What is the largest hyaline cartilage in the larynx called?
Thyroid cartilage
What is the role of the epiglottis?
What is the role of the epiglottis?
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What is the trachea commonly called?
What is the trachea commonly called?
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Cilia of the trachea help propel mucus away from the lungs.
Cilia of the trachea help propel mucus away from the lungs.
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Match the following parts of the pharynx with their descriptions:
Match the following parts of the pharynx with their descriptions:
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What are the three portions of the lungs?
What are the three portions of the lungs?
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Study Notes
Overview of the Respiratory System
- The respiratory system works alongside the cardiovascular system to deliver oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the body.
- Key organs include the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, which house the alveoli for gas exchange.
Larynx (Voicebox)
- The larynx directs air and food to the correct passages, aided by the epiglottis.
- Functions in speech by generating sound, where vocal folds vibrate with expelled air.
- Comprises thyroid cartilage, known as the "Adam's apple," the largest type of hyaline cartilage.
- The epiglottis acts as the "guardian of the airways," closing during swallowing to prevent food from entering the trachea.
- The glottis refers to the narrow opening between the vocal folds.
Trachea (Windpipe)
- Measures 10-12 cm (about 4 inches) in length and is lined with ciliated mucosa.
- Cilia in the trachea help move mucus—containing trapped dust and debris—toward the throat for swallowing or expulsion.
Functional Anatomy of the Upper Respiratory System
- Paranasal sinuses lighten the skull and enhance vocal resonance.
- The pharynx serves as a common passage for air and food and contains three sections: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.
- Auditory tubes open into the nasopharynx, providing drainage from the middle ear.
- Tonsils in the pharynx include pharyngeal (adenoid), palatine, and lingual tonsils, which play roles in immunity.
Functional Anatomy of the Lower Respiratory System
- Primary bronchi originate from the trachea's division into right and left branches.
- The right bronchus is shorter, wider, and straighter than the left, which predisposes it to foreign object lodging.
- Bronchi warm, cleanse, and humidify air before it reaches the lungs.
Lungs
- Occupy the thoracic cavity, except for the central mediastinum.
- Apex refers to the superior tip of each lung, positioned just beneath the clavicle.
- Base is the broad portion of the lung resting upon the diaphragm.
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