Body Systems: Respiratory System (Lower Respiratory Tract Anatomy) Flashcards
Trachea aka “windpipe”:
Contains mucus-producing cells. Traps particles not trapped by nasal passage. Surrounded by semicircular cartilaginous arches —> help keep it open and prevent collapsing. Open part of semicircle faces esophagus and allows esophagus to expand when food is being swallowed.
Bronchi:
-Trachea branches into two smaller passageways —> bronchi. (Singular bronchus).
-Enter left and right lungs.
-Lined with cilia and mucus producing cells.
-Contains cartilage.
What is cartilage?
Cartilage is strong, flexible connective tissue.
Bronchioles:
-Bronchi subdivide into smaller branches called bronchioles.
-Smooth muscle.
-Lack of cartilage.
-Lined with cilia and mucus producing cells.
-Trap foreign particles and pathogens and move them up to the respiratory tract.
Alveoli:
-Each bronchiole ends in a tiny cluster of sacs called alveoli. (Singular: alveolus).
-Each lung contains about 150 million alveoli.
-One cell thick for gas diffusion.
-Surrounded by capillaries also one cell thick.
-Lined with lubricating film.
-Site of gas exchange.
Alveoli continued:
•Diffusion of gases
-O2 (g) that is breathed in, moves from within the alveoli to the capillaries.
-CO2 (g) moves from the capillaries to the alveoli to be breathed out.
Alveoli full:
-Each bronchiole ends in a tiny cluster of sacs called alveoli. (Singular: alveolus).
-Each lung contains about 150 million alveoli.
-One cell thick for gas diffusion.
-Surrounded by capillaries also one cell thick.
-Lined with lubricating film.
-Site of gas exchange.
•Diffusion of gases
-O2 (g) that is breathed in, moves from within the alveoli to the capillaries.
-CO2 (g) moves from the capillaries to the alveoli to be breathed out.
Alveoli during exhalation:
-Alveoli collapse.
-Membranes touch.
-Don’t stick to each other due to a film of fat and protein called lipoprotein.
Alveoli during inhalation:
-Alveoli reopen.
-Some babies don’t produce enough lipoprotein and have trouble opening their alveoli upon inhalation.
-This condition is known as respiratory distress syndrome.
Pleural membrane:
-Surrounded outer surface of the lungs and inner wall of the chest cavity.
-Space between the pleural membrane is fluid filled.
-Prevents friction during inhalation.