1. The Respiratory System

Question 1

What does the respiratory system develop from in the embryo?

Answer 1

As a diverticulum from the pharynx

Question 2

Give 3 functions of the nasal cavity

Answer 2

Induce turbulent flow.
Warm and moisten inspired air.
Recover water from expired air.
Speech production.
Olfaction.

Question 3

The pharynx is the paper part of the GI tract. What 3 orafices does it attach to?

Answer 3

Nasopharynx
Oropharynx
Laryngopharynx

Question 4

What do the paranasal sinuses do?

Answer 4

Complement the function of the nasal cavity

Question 5

What is the glottis?

Answer 5

Opening between the vocal chords in the larynx

Question 6

What number ribs are known as the floating ribs?

Answer 6

Ribs 11 and 12

Question 7

What is the superior thoracic apeture?

Answer 7

Space at top of ribs that communicates with the neck

Question 8

What vertebrae is a rib paired to?

Answer 8

The vertebrae with which it articulates at its transverse process

Question 9

What two movements describe the movements of the chest wall during breathing?

Answer 9

‘Bucket handle’ movement.

‘Pump handle’ movement.

Question 10

How do movements of the rubs and diaphragm cause movement of air into the lungs?

Answer 10

Contract to increase volume of thoracic cavity, decreasing the pressure, causing air to move into the lungs.

Question 11

What nerve roots make up the left and right phrenic nerves and innervate the diaphragm?

Answer 11

C3,4,5

Question 12

What are the 3 layers of intercostal muscles? What action are each used for?

Answer 12

External - inhalation.
Internal - exhalation.
Innermost - exhalation.

Question 13

Where is the major neurovascular bundle located in each intercostal space?

Answer 13

Just beneath the rib

Question 14

At what vertebral level do each of the following pass through the diaphragm:
Inferior vena cava?
Aorta?
Oesophagus?

Answer 14

Inferior vena cava - T8.
Oesophagus - T10.
Aortic hiatus - T12.

Question 15

Why might a patient with COPD have pronounced sternocleidomastiods?

Answer 15

Using them to pull on the sternum and clavicle to aid inspiration, leading to hypertrophy

Question 16

Why do people bend over with their hands on their knees to breath deeply?

Answer 16

Stabilised humerus, to allow them to use their pecs to breath in

Question 17

What is the azygos venous system and how does it function?

Answer 17

Collects blood from intercostal spaces. Feeds it into the main azygos vein and then into the vena cava.

Question 18

What part of the lungs is most of the posterior aspect formed from?

Answer 18

The inferior lobe

Question 19

Anatomically, what are the 2 main differences between the left and right lungs?

Answer 19

Left - has indent for heart, and 2 lobes.

Right - has 3 lobes.

Question 20

Why is the fact the right main bronchus is more vertical than the left relevant clinically?

Answer 20

If a patient aspirates an item, then is more likely to enter the right main bronchus.

Question 21

What is the mediastinum?

Answer 21

Space between the lungs which is filled with the heart, trachea etc. Can be split into different planes eg the superior and inferior mediastinum.

Question 22

What is the innervation of the parietal pleura, and what relevance does that have clinically?

Answer 22

Somatic innervation, so pain is sharply localised.

Question 23

What is the name of the point where parietal pleura becomes visceral pleura?

Answer 23

Point of reflection

Question 24

What is a pleural effusion?

Answer 24

Fluid in the costodiaphragmatic recess

Question 25

Why can the lungs survive in a pulmonary embolism?

Answer 25

Due to the bronchial arteries

Question 26

What intercostal space does the diaphragm reach up to on both the left and right sides?

Answer 26

4th on the right.

5th on the left.