Anatomy and physiology of respiratory system

Question 1

what percentage of emergency service work is related to respiratory emergencies

Answer 1

70%

Question 2

Important labels of respiratory system

Answer 2

Nasal cavity
Pharynx
Larynx
Trachea
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Alveoli
Lung

Question 3

Function of respiratory system

Answer 3

To obtain oxygen from the external environment and supply it to the cells and to remove from the body the carbon dioxide produced by the cells

Question 4

Differences inhaled vs exhaled air

Answer 4

inhaled nitrogen (78%)
inhaled oxygen (21%)
inhaled carbon dioxide (0.04%)

exhaled nitrogen (78%)
exhaled oxygen (17%)
exhaled carbon dioxide (4%)

Question 5

Pharynx

Answer 5

Nasopharynx
Oropharynx
Laryngopharynx

Question 6

Nasopharynx

Answer 6

The top part of the pharynx, above soft palate, connecting nasal cavity to pharynx and trachea

Question 7

Oropharynx

Answer 7

The middle part of the pharynx. It includes the back part f the tongue (base of the tongue), tonsils, soft palate (part of the roof of the mouth)

Question 8

Laryngopharynx

Answer 8

Lower part of the pharynx where food passes into oesophagus and air passes in and out of the trachea

Question 9

Larynx

Answer 9

Also known as the voice box
it is a part of the upper respiratory tract that is a flexible tube where air passes between the pharynx and the windpipe (trachea)

Question 10

Functions of larynx

Answer 10

1. speech production
2. Passage of air
3. Channeling food into digestive system

Question 11

Epiglottis

Answer 11

A leaf shaped flap of cartilage located behind the tongue, at the top of the larynx, or voice box.

Question 12

The main function of the epiglottis

Answer 12

to seal off the windpipe during eating and drinking

Question 13

Trachea

Answer 13

Also known as the windpipe
In adults the trachea is between 10-12cm in length and is lined with 16-20 rings of cartilage which offer support

Question 14

Function of trachea

Answer 14

1. Safe passage for air
2. Protect from foreign objects
3. Regulate temperature and humidity of air

Question 15

Bronchi and bronchioles

Answer 15

In the lungs the bronchi branch into smaller bronchioles (pipes) which connect to the alveoli
Bronchi and bronchioles are lined with mucus and controlled by smooth muscle
The bronchioles are the pipes affected during an asthma attack and a patient with chronic bronchitis

Question 16

Function of bronchi and bronchioles

Answer 16

Two bronchi (single bronchus) carry air from trachea into lungs

Question 17

Alveoli

Answer 17

Millions of tiny air sac located at the end of bronchioles, these sacs have an elastic property and thin walls to allow gas exchange with capillaries

These tiny air sac (alveoli) are affected by the disease emphysema (they lose their elastic property)

Question 18

Function of alveoli

Answer 18

Site of gaseous exchange between respiratory and circulatory system

Question 19

The exchange of gases

Answer 19

Blood is transported to the lungs where differences in pressure in the alveoli result in the movement of carbo dioxide (waste) out of the blood into the lungs and oxygen (fuel) into the blood

Question 20

Diffusion

Answer 20

The movement of gas molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration

Question 21

Lungs

Answer 21

The major organs of the respiratory system
helps provide the body with a continuous supply of oxygen

2 spongey organs conical in shape filled with millions of alveoli where gas exchange occurs

Question 22

Left lung

Answer 22

2 lobes, cardiac notch, smaller than right lung as heart is angled to the left

Question 23

Right lung

Answer 23

3 lobes, slightly bigger than left lung

Question 24

Pleura of lungs (covering)

Answer 24

The pleura includes two thin layers of tissue that protect and cushion the lungs.

The very thin space between the layers is called the pleural space. A liquid, called pleural fluid, is in this pleural space. the fluid lubricates the pleural space so that the two layers of pleural tissue can slide against each other

Question 25

The inner layer

Answer 25

Called the visceral pleura, wraps around the lungs

Question 26

The outer layer

Answer 26

Called the parietal pleura, lines the inside of the chest wall

Question 27

Diaphragm

Answer 27

A thin skeletal muscle (5mm) that sits at the base of the chest and separates the abdomen from the chest. It contracts and flattens when you inhale. This creates a vacuum effect which allows air into the lungs due to atmospheric pressure When you exhale, the diaphragm relaxes, and the air is pushed out of lungs

Question 28

Mechanism of breathing

Answer 28

3 phase process 1. inhalation (breathing in) 2. Exhalation (breathing out) 3. Pause 4. Normal respiratory rate for an adult is 12-20 breaths per minute

Question 29

Inhalation

Answer 29

1. Intercostal muscle contract rib cage moves upward and outward 2. Diaphragm contracts and flattens out 3. Volume inside chest cavity increases 4. Pressure inside chest cavity decreases 5. Air due to atmospheric pressure is drawn into the lungs to equalise pressure (atmospheric pressure = 14.7 psi / 1 bar)

Question 30

Exhalation

Answer 30

1. Intercostal muscles relax, rib cage moves downward and inward 2. Diaphragm relaxes and moves upwards 3. Volume inside chest cavity decreases 4. Pressure inside chest cavity increases 5. Air is expelled to equalise pressure Tidal volume in an adult is approximately 500ml (the amount of air we breathe in and out in 1 respiratory cycle)