Respiratory system

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Questions and Answers

What is the function of cilia in the nasal cavity?

To filter incoming air (correct)

To detect smells

To divide the nasal cavity

To produce mucus

Which structure acts as a barrier between the nasal cavities?

Nasal septum (correct)

Mucous membranes

Nasal conchae

Palatine tonsils

What are the three divisions of the pharynx?

Laryngopharynx, oropharynx, and epiglottis

Oropharynx, hypopharynx, and esophagus

Oropharynx, nasopharynx, and laryngopharynx (correct)

Laryngopharynx, nasopharynx, and uvula

Which part of the respiratory system is primarily responsible for producing sound?

Larynx Signup and view all the answers

What role do the tonsils play in the respiratory system?

Protect against infections Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the upper respiratory tract?

Bronchial tree Signup and view all the answers

What type of tissue lines the cavities of the nasal passages?

Mucous membranes Signup and view all the answers

Which cartilage in the larynx is known as the largest?

Thyroid cartilage Signup and view all the answers

What role does the epiglottis play during swallowing?

It protects the lungs by closing off the laryngopharynx. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the trachea?

To transport air to and from the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the bronchi is true?

Each primary bronchus branches into smaller bronchioles. Signup and view all the answers

What are alveoli primarily responsible for?

Exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide. Signup and view all the answers

How many lobes does the right lung contain?

Three lobes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of surfactant in the alveoli?

To reduce surface tension and stabilize alveoli. Signup and view all the answers

What does the mediastinum contain?

Anatomical structures such as the heart and major vessels. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the two lungs in terms of structure?

The right lung is larger and has three lobes, while the left lung has two lobes. Signup and view all the answers

What is chronic bronchitis primarily caused by?

Recurrent exposure to inhaled irritants Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by the progressive loss of lung function due to the enlargement of alveoli?

Emphysema Signup and view all the answers

What are the symptoms of asthma often triggered by?

Allergic reactions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a bronchospasm?

Constriction of the smooth muscle in the airways Signup and view all the answers

What condition is commonly known as the common cold?

Upper respiratory infection (URI) Signup and view all the answers

Which condition can be a direct result of dry air or high blood pressure?

Epistaxis Signup and view all the answers

What does pleural effusion refer to?

Accumulation of fluid in the pleural space Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is known for the presence of pus in the pleural cavity?

Pyothorax Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the diaphragm in respiration?

It separates the thoracic cavity from the abdomen. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the visceral pleura?

It is directly attached to the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes external respiration from internal respiration?

Internal respiration occurs at the cellular level. Signup and view all the answers

Which specialty focuses on diseases and disorders of the respiratory system?

Pulmonology Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

It causes bronchial airflow obstruction. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the pleura is responsible for covering the lungs?

Visceral pleura Signup and view all the answers

How does inhalation occur?

With the contraction of the diaphragm. Signup and view all the answers

What role do phrenic nerves play in respiration?

They stimulate the diaphragm to contract. Signup and view all the answers

What condition describes the temporary absence of spontaneous respiration?

Apnea Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the accumulation of air in the pleural space resulting in lung collapse?

Pneumothorax Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with a bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen?

Cyanosis Signup and view all the answers

What does bradypnea indicate regarding a person's respiration rate?

Slower than normal breathing Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure allows for visual examination of the bronchi?

Bronchoscopy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary indicator of anoxia?

Deficient oxygen in tissues Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is synonymous with shortness of breath?

Dyspnea Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following signifies a rapid rate of respiration?

Tachypnea Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Respiratory System

The respiratory system is essential for life, as it involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
It consists of inhalation and exhalation.
Ventilation is the process of moving air in and out of the lungs.
The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that contracts and relaxes to allow breathing, and the phrenic nerves stimulate it.
The only structure that goes through the diaphragm is the esophagus
Respiration is a process of breathing
Inhalation is the process of taking in air
Exhalation is the process of breathing out
External respiration occurs in the lungs (gas exchange between air in alveoli and blood in pulmonary capillaries)
Internal respiration occurs at the cellular level (gas exchange between tissue cells and blood in systemic capillaries)

Major Structures and Their Functions

Nose (Nostrils/Nares): Exchanges air; warms, moisturizes, and filters inhaled air.
Sinuses: Produce mucus, lightening the skull bones, and aiding sound production.
Pharynx: Transports air back and forth between the nose and trachea.
Larynx: Makes speech possible.
Epiglottis: Closes the trachea during swallowing.
Trachea: Transports air between the pharynx and bronchi.
Bronchi: Transport air to the lungs. They divide into smaller and smaller tubes called bronchioles.
Alveoli: Air sacs that exchange gases with pulmonary capillary blood. The alveoli produce a surfactant that makes them stable for optimal breathing.
Lungs: Bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide and other waste. Lung tissue is divided into lobes. Right lung has three lobes (upper, middle, and lower) while left lung only has two (upper and lower).

Structures of the Respiratory System

Upper respiratory tract(nose, mouth, pharynx, epiglottis, and larynx, and trachea): The initial segment of the respiratory system that filters, warms, and moistens incoming air.
Lower respiratory tract(the bronchial tree and lungs): The part of the respiratory system that conveys air to the lungs and facilitates gas exchange.

The Nose

The nostrils (nares) are the external openings of the nose.
The nasal septum divides the nose into two sections.
Cilia in the nostrils filter incoming air to remove debris.
Mucous membranes line the nose and other parts of the respiratory system.
Mucus moisturizes, warms, and filters the air; it is produced by mucous membranes.
Olfactory receptors are nerve endings that sense smell.

The Tonsils

Tonsils and adenoids are part of the lymphatic system.
They protect the body from infection.
Palatine tonsils are located in the back of the mouth, while nasopharyngeal (adenoid) tonsils are located behind the nose and the roof of the mouth.

The Paranasal Sinuses

Air-filled cavities lined with mucous membranes in the skull bones.
A sinus is a sac or cavity.

The Pharynx

The pharynx (throat) is a shared pathway for air and food.
It has three divisions: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

Larynx and Cartilages

The larynx (voice box) is located between the pharynx and trachea.
Larynx is protected and supported by nine cartilages, the thyroid cartilage (Adam's apple) is the largest.
Vocal cords are housed within the larynx
Protective mechanisms for swallowing ensure only air goes into the lungs.

The Trachea

The trachea transports air to and from the lungs.
It is located in front of the esophagus.
Flexible C-shaped cartilage rings hold the trachea open.

The Bronchi

Two large tubes (primary bronchi) branch from the trachea.
Bronchi convey air into the lungs (singular, bronchus).
Refer to as the bronchial tree.
Branch into smaller and smaller bronchioles.
Bronchi have cartilage rings

The Alveoli

Very small grapelike clusters, alveoli, are at the ends of bronchioles.
Gas exchange occurs in alveoli (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
A network of capillaries surrounds each alveolus.

The Lungs

The essential organs of respiration.
Divided into lobes (subdivisions of an organ), Right lung has three lobes, while the left has two.

The Mediastinum

The middle section of the chest cavity between the lungs.
Contains the heart, its vessels, esophagus, trachea, bronchi, thymus gland, and lymph nodes.

The Pleura

Thin, moist, slippery membranes covering the lungs and the thoracic cavity.
Parietal pleura lines the thoracic cavity.
The visceral pleura covers the lungs.
Pleural cavity is the space between parietal and visceral pleura.

The Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle separating the thoracic cavity from the abdomen.
Its contraction and relaxation are essential for breathing.
The phrenic nerve stimulates the diaphragm for breathing.
The only structure passing through the diaphragm is the esophagus.

Respiratory Processes

Inhalation: Diaphragm contracts; thoracic cavity expands.
Exhalation: Diaphragm relaxes; thoracic cavity gets smaller.

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngologist: Diagnoses and treats diseases of the head and neck, including ears, nose, and throat.
Pulmonologist: Diagnoses and treats lung diseases.
Thoracic Surgeon: Performs operations on the organs in the chest cavity, including heart, lungs, and esophagus.

Respiratory Pathologies

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Group of lung diseases where bronchial airflow is blocked. Examples include Chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Chronic Bronchitis: Inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes due to recurrent exposure to irritants, often cigarette smoke.
Emphysema: Progressive loss of lung function, usually due to smoking. Alveoli enlarge and lose their function leading to decreased gas exchange.
Asthma: Inflammatory disease of the bronchial tubes, often triggered by allergies.
Airway Inflammation: Swelling and clogging of bronchial tubes with mucus.
Bronchospasm: Contraction of smooth muscles in bronchial walls, tightening the airway.

Other Pathologies

Upper Respiratory Infections (URI): Common cold and acute nasopharyngitis.
Allergic Rhinitis: Allergic reaction to airborne allergens.
Epistaxis: Nosebleed.
Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses.
Pharyngitis: Sore throat, inflammation of the pharynx.
Laryngospasm: Sudden closure of the larynx.
Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx.
Bronchiectasis: Permanent dilation of the bronchi due to chronic infection.
Pleural Effusion: Excess fluid in the pleural space.
Pneumothorax: Air in the pleural space.
Pyothorax/Empyema: Pus in the pleural space.
Pneumonia: Serious inflammation of the lungs
Eupnea: Normal breathing.
Apnea: Temporary absence of breathing.
Bradypnea: Abnormally slow breathing.
Tachypnea: Abnormally rapid breathing.
Dyspnea: Difficult or labored breathing.
Hemoptysis: Coughing up blood.
Anoxia: Absence of oxygen in tissues.
Hypoxia: Insufficient oxygen in tissues.
Cyanosis: Bluish discoloration of tissues due to lack of oxygen.
Expectoration: Coughing up and spitting out saliva, mucus, or fluid.

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