BASIC Flashcards
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
Provides oxygen for cellular metabolism and removes carbon dioxide
The respiratory system is essential for gas exchange in the body.
What are the secondary functions of the respiratory system?
- Sense of smell
- Voice production
- Maintains acid-base balance
These functions highlight the respiratory system’s additional roles beyond gas exchange.
What does the upper airway function in the respiratory system include?
- Filters
- Humidifies
- Warms air
The upper airway plays a crucial role in preparing air for the lungs.
What is the structure of the nose in the respiratory system?
Lining of ciliated mucosa divided by a septum into right and left sides with olfactory receptors
The nose is key for filtering and sensing smells.
What are the paranasal sinuses?
- Frontal Sinus (biggest)
- Ethmoid Sinus
- Maxillary Sinus (widest)
- Sphenoid Sinus
These sinuses help in humidifying and warming the air.
What is sinusitis and what is its common cause?
Sinusitis is often caused by a viral infection that is self-limiting
Medications are used primarily for symptom control.
What is the best management for sinusitis?
Proper hydration
Staying hydrated can help alleviate symptoms of sinusitis.
What structures does the pharynx connect?
Nasal cavity, oral cavity, and larynx
The pharynx serves as a passageway for air and food.
What are the functions of the tonsils?
Lymphatic function and immunity
Tonsils play a role in protecting against infections.
What are the three parts of the pharynx?
- Nasopharynx - air
- Oropharynx - air and food
- Laryngopharynx - air
Each part of the pharynx has specific roles in respiration and digestion.
Fill in the blank: The nasal passage is a part of the _____ which leads to the oral cavity and larynx.
pharynx
The pharynx functions as a shared pathway for air and food.
What procedures may involve the laryngopharynx?
- Intubation
- Bronchoscopy
These procedures are critical in managing airway and respiratory issues.
What is the larynx commonly known as?
Voicebox
What is the terminal part of the upper airway?
Larynx
What is the primary function of the larynx?
Produces voice
What is the thyroid cartilage also known as?
Adams apple
What type of cartilage is the cricoid cartilage?
Signet ring cartilage
What is the function of the epiglottis?
Lid/flap
What condition is indicated by the term epiglottitis?
DON’T insert anything and DON’T examine
What specific structure in the larynx produces the voice?
Vocal cords
What is the mechanism that produces voice?
Vibration
During what phase does voice production occur?
Expiration
What is the primary function of the lower airway?
Enables gas exchange
The lower airway is crucial for the process of respiration.
What is another name for the trachea?
Windpipe
The trachea is also known as the windpipe.
What shape do the smooth muscles of the trachea form?
C-shaped rings
These rings provide structural support to the trachea.
How long is the trachea approximately?
10-12 cm long
The length can vary slightly among individuals.
What is the function of the trachea?
Passageway of air to and from the lungs
The trachea connects the larynx to the bronchi.
What are the mainstem bronchi?
Bronchi that branch from the trachea to the right lung (RL) and left lung (LL)
They serve as the primary passageways for air entering each lung.
What are bronchioles?
Smaller branches off the bronchi
They lead to the alveolar ducts.
What are the two types of bronchioles?
Primary and secondary
Primary bronchioles are larger, while secondary bronchioles are smaller.
What is the function of alveolar ducts?
Door/gate to alveoli
They connect bronchioles to the alveoli.
What are alveoli?
Respiratory unit where gas exchange takes place
Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs.
How many types of accessory muscles are there?
5 types
These muscles assist in respiration.
What is the function of the scalene muscles?
Elevates the first two ribs
They help in inhalation by expanding the thoracic cavity.
What role does the trapezius muscle play?
Assist in shoulder movement
It also helps in stabilizing the shoulder during respiration.
What is the function of the pectoralis major muscle?
Shoulder movement
It aids in the expansion of the chest during inhalation.
What is the function of the sternocleidomastoid muscle?
Raises the sternum
This muscle is involved in deep breathing.
What do external intercostals do?
Elevate the entire ribs
They assist in increasing the thoracic volume during inhalation.
Where is the respiratory center located?
Medulla
The medulla oblongata regulates basic rhythm of breathing.
Which part of the brain controls the rate and rhythm of breathing?
Pons
The pons works in conjunction with the medulla to regulate breathing.
What is the role of the brainstem in respiration?
Respiratory regulator
The brainstem integrates signals to control breathing patterns.
What are bronchial sounds?
Normal breath sounds associated with longer airways
These sounds are typically heard over the trachea and bronchi.
What characterizes bronchovesicular sounds?
Moderate/breezy sound
These sounds are typically heard over the major bronchi.
What are vesicular sounds?
Low pitched sound heard in the distal part of the alveoli
These sounds indicate normal airflow in the alveoli.
What are FINE CRACKLES?
Short high-pitched bubbling sounds
These sounds are often associated with fluid in the lungs.
What causes COARSE CRACKLES?
Mucus in the airways
These sounds are low-pitched and short.
What is the sound characteristic of WHEEZES?
High-pitched, musical, hissing sounds
Wheezes are typically heard during expiration.
What is a PLEURAL FRICTION RUB (PFR)?
Crackling, grating, squeaky, scratchy sounds
This occurs when the pleural space and other organs rub against each other.
What does the term ‘Cough’ relate to in respiratory terms?
Mucus clearance
A cough can be a response to irritation or obstruction in the airways.
What are the 3 ‘I’s associated with abnormal lung sounds?
Infection, Inflammation, Infiltration
Examples include PTB, pneumonia, pleuritis, tumors, and pleural effusion.
What are the characteristics of a high-pitched sound?
Harsh and loud
High-pitched sounds can indicate various respiratory conditions.
Fill in the blank: Asthma produces _____ sounds during expiration.
wheezing
What are HARSH SOUNDS in respiratory assessment?
Loud and high-pitched sounds
These sounds may indicate airway obstruction or other issues.
What type of breath sounds are indicative of fluid in the lungs?
FINE CRACKLES
These sounds may be heard with conditions like heart failure or pneumonia.
