12.2 Anatomy of the Respiratory System Flashcards
What is the conduction zone?
part of the respiratory system designed to allow gases to enter and exit the system
What are the three functions of the larynx?
- made of cartilage to keep the airway open
- contains epiglottis to seal trachea during swallowing
- contains vocals cords
What is the purpose of the vocal cords in relation to the respiratory pathway?
folds of tissue positioned to partly block the flow of air and vibrate producing sound
What is the trachea?
passageway that must remain open to allow passage of air; reinforced by cartilage
What are bronchioles?
very small branches of bronchiWh
What are terminal bronchioles?
smallest and final branches of the conduction zone that contain smooth muscle and no cartilage
What is the respiratory zone?
region of the respiratory system where gas exchange occurs
What are avleoli?
tiny sacs with very thin walls across which gas diffusion occurs
How thick are the cell walls of alveoli?
one cell thick
What is the alveolar duct?
branches from the respiratory bronchioles that lead to the alveoli
What are the respiratory bronchioles?
similar to terminal bronchioles but they have a few alveoli scattered in its walls allowing for gas exchange
What type of epithelial cells does the conduction zone contain?
columnar
What type of epithelial cells does the respiratory zone contain?
squamous
What are goblet cells?
specialized columnar epithelial cells that secrete sticky mucus
What is the mucociliary escalator?
columnar cells of the upper respiratory system contain cilia on the apical surfaces which sweep a layer of mucus toward the pharynx
