Basic concepts Flashcards
What are the main features of the respiratory system for gas exchange?
Large SA, approx 50m squared
Bilipid membrane
Non-respiratory functions associated with the respiratory tract?
Producing Sound
Facilitating olfactory stimulation.
Is engergy expended in breathing?
Yes. Apporximately 5% of normal energy output is used in providing respiratory function
Respiratory surfaces need protection from…?
Dehydration
Environmental variations
Pathogens
What does the upper respiratory tract consist of?
The URT consists of the:
- Nasal cavity
- Paranasal sinuses
- Pharynx
- Larynx
Describe the lining of the upper respiratory tract. What is its function?
Most of the lining in the URT is normal mucosa. It acts as protection and serves to warm and moisten air as it moves into the lower respiratory tract.
Name the 2 zones of the lower respiratory tract.
- Conducting zone
- Respiratory zone
In total, how many generations are there in the respiratory tract.
23 generations.
*16 in the conducting zone and 7 in the respiratory zone.
Components of the conducting zone?
Trachea
First 16 generations.
Functions of the conducting zone?
- Warms and humidifies inspired air
- Distributes air evenly
- Cleans air
- Defense
Components of the respiratory zone?
Last 7 airway generations and alveoli
Function of the respiratory zone?
The respiratory zone is the site of gas exchange.
How many lobar bronchi do we have?
- 2 left lobar bronchi
- 3 right lobar bronchi
This is in addition to the main bronchi, segmental bronchi and bronchioles
Describe the histology of respiratory epithelium.
Respiratory epithelium is pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with goblet cells.
Don’t forget the basement membrane is also there
Describe the histology of the lamina propria
Contains connective tissue, blood and lymph. There is also a band of fibroelastic tissue at the base of the lamina propria that becomes more prominent and muscular throughout the RT.