Anatomy and Physiology of Respiratory System

Question 1

What are the two zones of the respiratory system ?

Answer 1

• conducting zone = nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles.
• respiratory zone = alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs and alveoli.

Question 2

Functions of the respiratory system

Answer 2

• gas exchange
• helps regulate blood pH
• contains receptors for the sense of smell, produces vocal sounds and excretes small amounts of water and heat.
• filters inhaled air

Question 3

Anatomy of the conducting zone

Answer 3

-TRACHEA
- PRIMARY BRONCHI
- SECONDARY BRONCHI
- TERTIARY BRONCHI
- BRONCHIOLES
- TERMINAL BRONCHIOLES

Question 4

Protective mechanisms within the upper respiratory tract

Answer 4

• tiny hairs within the nose
• the nose is also lined with mucus producing cells
• sticky mucus traps small particles for removal

Question 5

Protective mechanisms within the lower respiratory tract

Answer 5

• tracheobronchial tree is lined with cilia
• small projections from cells that sweeps secretion produced by goblet cells and bronchial glands
• sweeping of secretion mucus towards the throat to be swallowed
• damage of the cilia is a significant contributor to a respiratory disease

Question 6

Anatomy of the respiratory zone

Answer 6

• Each lobule contains a branch of a single arteriole, venule, and terminal bronchiole. ( Gas exchange)
• Wrapped by elastic connective tissue
• Respiratory bronchiole lining = simple squamous epithelium

Question 7

Alveolar cell types

Answer 7

• TYPE 1 ALVEOLAR CELLS = simple squamous cell where gas exchange occurs
• TYPE 2 ALVEOLAR SEPTAL CELLS = secrete pulmonary surfactant that lowers surface tension and prevent alveolar collapse

TYPE 3 DUST CELL
( MACROPHAGES) - the resident inflammatory cell removing debris

Question 8

Three steps involved in respiration

Answer 8

• Pulmonary ventilation = inhalation and exhalation of air
• External Pulmonary respiration = exchange of gases between alveolar air and blood in the pulmonary capillaries
• Internal tissue respiration = exchange of gases between blood in systemic capillaries and tissue cells

Question 9

Diaphragm and pulmonary ventilation

Answer 9

• major importance for respiration
• a sheet of muscle that divides the chest cavity from the abdomen
• contraction of the diaphragm causes the lungs to expand air to be drawn in

Question 10

Boyles Law

Answer 10

Pressure of a gas in a closed container is inversely proportional to the volume of the container. As the size of the closed container decrease pressure inside increases
- the molecules have less wall area to strike so the pressure on each inch of area increases

Question 11

Normal Lung function

Answer 11

Tidal volume - the volume of one breath ( 500 ml )

Minute Ventilation Rate = Respiratory Rate x Tidal Volume

Question 12

Clinical measurements of lung function

Answer 12

• peak flowmeter = used to test PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW which is the greatest airflow that can be sustained for 10 millisec on forced expiration
• spirometer = used to measure FORCED EXPIRATORY VOLUME IN ONE SECOND and vital capacity