Anatomy of the Respiratory System Flashcards
What are the lungs and interior of the thorax covered by?
Pleural membranes
Between the pleural membranes what is present?
Intrapleural fluid
What pleura is the lung surface covered by?
Visceral pleura
What pleura is the rib covered by?
Parietal pleura
What muscles are used for inspiration?
Diaphragm
External intercostal muscles
Scalenes
Sternocleidomastoids
What muscles are used if needs be for expiration?
Internal intercostals
Abdominals
What happens to the diaphragm on inspiration?
It descends (moves down)
Based on boyles law what does an increase in volume do to pressure?
Decreases pressure
Based on boyles law what does a decrease in volume do to pressure?
Increases pressure
Is expiration passive?
Yes
At rest
What is the major determinant of airway resistance?
Radii of the airways
What is the respiratory tract lined with?
Epithelium Glands Lymph nodes Blood vessels Cilia Mucous
Is there any cartilage surrounding the alveoli?
No
How is the ‘patency’ of the airways maintained?
By C rings of cartilage
Decreasing the diameter of airway does what to resistance?
Increases resistance
Increasing the diameter of airways does what to the resistance?
Decreases resistance
Where is the point of gas exchange?
At the alveoli
What features of the alveoli increase their efficiency of gas exchange?
Thin walls
Large surface area
Close to capillary beds (decreasing the distance for gas exchange)
What is normal breathing rate at rest?
10-20 breaths/min
What is breathing rate at maximum exercise in adults?
40-45 breaths/min
Why is the volume of gas exchange at the alveoli equal to the volume of gas exchange at the tissues?
To prevent the build up of gas in the circulation
