Airway

Question 1

What does the upper airway consist of ?

Answer 1

1. Nose/nasal cavity/oral cavity
2. Pharynx

Question 2

3 parts of pharynx

Answer 2

1. Nasopharynx
2. Oropharynx
3. Laryngopharynx

Question 3

What does the lower airway consist of ?

Answer 3

1. Larynx
2. Trachea
3. Bronchi-bronchioles
4. Alveoli

Question 4

The pleura

Answer 4

1. Is the serious membrane that covers the lung parenchyma, mediastinum, diaphragm and rib cage
2. Consists of the parietal and visceral pleura
3. The pleura allows the lung to expand and contract within the rigid confines of the thoracic cavity by transmitting mechanical forces from the diaphragm and chest wall with the minimal friction
4. These are serious membranes which slides over one another during breathing
5. The pressure between the pleural cavity is sub atmospheric which is essential for lung expansion during breathing
6. The right and left pleural space are separated by the mediastinum and do not normally communicate
7. (Secretes fluid and reduces friction)

Question 5

Trachea

Answer 5

1. (The trachea is a cartilaginous tubular structure connecting the larynx superiorly and the main bronchi allowing air to reach the parenchyma of the lungs where gas exchange takes place)
2. The lower edge of the cricoid cartilage defines the beginning of the trachea
3. The end of the trachea is marked by the carina
4. The trachea divides into the right and left main bronchi at the level of the sternal angle
5. The right bronchus is wider, shorter and more vertical compared
   to the left
6. The length of the trachea is 11.8 with a normal range of 10-13 cm
7. (The right bronchus divides into three lobar bronchi supplying the right upper, middle and lower lung lobes)
8. (The left bronchus divides into two lobar bronchi supplying the left upper and lower lobes)

Question 6

Visceral pleura

Answer 6

1. Measures 0.1-02 mm in thickness
2. Consists of single layer of mesothelial cells
3. (Covers the lungs, blood vessels, nerves and bronchi)

Question 7

Parietal pleura

Answer 7

1. Measures 0.1 mm in thickness
2. Composed of a single layer of mesothelial cells joined with a layer of loose connective tissue containing systemic capillaries, lymphatic vessels and sensory nerves

Question 8

Alveoli

Answer 8

1. Cup shape lined by simple squamous epithelium supported by a thin elastic membrane
2. Alveolar sac consist of two or more alveoli sharing a common opening
3. (Type 1 alveolar cell – continuous lining of epithelial of the alveolar wall where gas exchange takes place)
4. (Type 2 alveolar cell – fewer in numbers and are found between type 1 alveolar cells and the surface contains microvilli and secretes surfactant)