Chapter 22 - Respiratory Flashcards
Define the purpose of breathing.
Breathing is necessary to take in oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide which are essential for various body processes that produce ATP.
What are the two major phases of pulmonary ventilation?
The two major phases of pulmonary ventilation are inspiration during which gases flow into the lungs and expiration during which gases exit the lungs.
what the anatomical zones of the respiratory system?
By location:
* Upper respiratory tract
*In head and neck - nose through larynx
* Lower respiratory tract
Organs of the thorax - trachea through lungs
By function:
* Conducting zone
A system of tubes that delivers air to the alveoli (no gas exchange)
* Respiratory zone
Consists of alveoli and other gas exchange regions
Major organs of the respiratory system
- Nose, nasal cavity
- Pharynx
- Larynx
- Trachea
- Bronchi and their branches
- Lungs and alveoli
Label the anatomy of the upper respiratory tract
what components of the pleurae and the functions?
- Visceral pleura
- Parietal pleura
- Pleural cavity
Functions of pleurae and pleural fluid
* Reduce friction
* Create pressure gradient
Lower pressure than atmospheric pressure; assists lung inflation
* Compartmentalization
Prevents spread of infection from one organ in mediastinum to others
what is the visceral pleura?
serous membrane that covers lungs
what is the parietal pleura?
adheres to mediastinum, inner surface of the rib cage, and superior surface of the diaphragm
what is the pleural cavity?
potential space between pleurae
Normally no room between the membranes, but contains a film of slippery pleural fluid
Label the gross anatomy of the lungs
Label the structures of the Transverse section through the thorax
the pharynx consists of?
Pharynx (throat) — muscular funnel extending about 5 in. from the choanae to the larynx. Three regions of pharynx:
* Nasopharynx
* Oropharynx
* Laryngopharynx
what is included in the nasopharynx?
Posterior to nasal apertures and above soft palate
Receives auditory tubes and contains pharyngeal tonsil
90 downward turn traps large particles (>10 m)
what is included in the oropharynx?
Space between soft palate and epiglottis
Contains palatine tonsils
what is included in the laryngopharynx?
Epiglottis to cricoid cartilage
Esophagus begins at that point
Label the anatomy of the lower respiratory tract
How is the associated anatomy of the lower respiratory tract and spacing
Label the structures of the respiratory membrane
Explain the relationship between volume changes and pressure changes in the thoracic cavity during breathing.
Volume changes in the thoracic cavity lead to pressure changes. When the volume increases the pressure decreases causing gases to flow down the pressure gradient into the lungs during inspiration. When the volume decreases the pressure increases causing gases to flow out of the lungs during expiration.
Gases travel from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
Pressures are initially changed by changing volumes
What is the atmospheric pressure at sea level?
The atmospheric pressure at sea level is 760 mm Hg.
How are respiratory pressures described relative to atmospheric pressure?
Respiratory pressures are described relative to atmospheric pressure (Patm). Zero respiratory pressure is equal to Patm (760 mm Hg) positive respiratory pressure is greater than Patm (e.g. +1 mm Hg) and negative respiratory pressure is less than Patm (e.g. -1 mm Hg).
What causes air to flow into the lungs during inspiration?
During inspiration the intrapulmonary pressure drops below atmospheric pressure (Patm) causing air to flow into the lungs from an area of higher pressure (atmosphere) to an area of lower pressure (lungs).
What is the purpose of the skeletal muscles in the process of breathing?
Skeletal muscles are responsible for generating the movements required for breathing. These muscles contract and relax to create changes in thoracic cavity volume which result in pressure changes and the movement of air in and out of the lungs.
What is the function of the respiratory control centers?
The respiratory control centers in the brain are responsible for regulating the rhythm and depth of breathing. Although the exact mechanism for setting the rhythm remains unknown repetitive stimulation of skeletal muscles by the brain is essential for breathing. Coordination among multiple respiratory muscles is necessary for effective breathing.
What keeps the diaphragm active and functioning?
The phrenic nerve arising from the spinal cord levels C3 C4 and C5 provides the necessary nervous stimulation to the diaphragm ensuring its continuous contraction and relaxation during breathing.
Which factors influence the rate and depth of breathing?
Factors such as oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood pH (acid-base balance) and emotional state can influence the rate and depth of breathing.
what occurs in the respiratory cycle?
What is the primary role of the alveoli in the respiratory system?
The alveoli are the primary sites of gas exchange in the respiratory system. Oxygen from inhaled air diffuses into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide a waste product diffuses from the bloodstream into the alveoli to be exhaled. This exchange occurs across the thin respiratory membrane of the alveoli.
