#19 Respiratory System

Question 1

upper respiratory tract

Answer 1

Contains sinuses, nasal cavity, and pharynx

Question 2

lower respiratory tract

Answer 2

larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, and lung alveoli

Question 3

major functions of the respiratory system

Answer 3

Pulmonary ventilation (breathing)

Gas exchange (external respiration)

Gas conditioning (warm, humidify and cleanse air)

Sound production

Olfaction

Defense

Question 4

inspiration or inhalation

Answer 4

Diaphragm contracts

External intercostals, scalenes and others contract

How it works

Volume of thoracic cavity increases, internal lung pressure decreases, air rushes into lungs

Question 5

expiration or exhalation

Answer 5

Diaphragm passively relaxes (lung elastic recoil)

Abdominal wall, internal intercostals and others contract

How it works
Volume of thoracic cavity decreases, internal lung pressure increases, air rushes out of lungs

Question 6

external respiration

Answer 6

Gas exchange between blood and air (at the alveoli)

O2 diffuses from air into blood

CO2 diffuses from blood into air

Question 7

internal respiration

Answer 7

Gas exchange between blood and tissue cells (at systemic capillaries)

O2 diffuses from blood into body cells

CO2 diffuses from body cells into blood

Question 8

Asthma

Answer 8

Airway hypersensitivity leads to inflammation and bronchoconstriction

Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, excess mucous

Treatment may include inhaled steroids mixed with bronchodilators

May occur in response to pollen, smoke, mold, dust mites, air pollution, pet dander, exercise, or anxiety

Question 9

emphysema

Answer 9

Chronic destruction of alveoli and loss of lung elastic tissue

Decrease in gas exchange surface area

Loss of elastic tissue makes it difficult to exhale, old air is trapped in alveoli

Usually caused by smoking

Question 10

pneumonia

Answer 10

Infection of the alveoli of the lungs resulting in swelling and reduced capacity for gas exchange

May be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi

Symptoms include cough, fever, rapid breathing and sputum

Question 11

Lung cancer

Answer 11

Usually caused by cigarette smoking

3 common types:

Adenocarcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma

Small cell carcinoma

Most effective treatment is complete removal of diseased lung