Chapter 34: Structure and Function of the Pulmonary System

Question 1

What does the pulmonary system consist of?

Answer 1

Upper and lower airways, the chest wall, the diaphragm, and pulmonary circulation.
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Question 2

The primary function of the pulmonary system is the exchange of gases between the environmental air and the blood. There are 3 steps in this process:

Answer 2

1) ventilation - movement of air into and out of the lungs
2) diffusion - the movement of gases between air spaces in the lungs and the bloodstream
3) perfusion - movement of blood into and out of the capillary beds of the lungs to body tissues.
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Question 3

The space between the lungs is called the…

Answer 3

…mediastinum.

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Question 4

The lung tissue that surrounds the airways supports them, preventing…

Answer 4

…their distortion or collapse as gas moves in and out during ventilation.
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Question 5

How would one describe the diaphragm?

Answer 5

It is a dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities and is involved in ventilation.
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Question 6

What makes up the upper airway?

Answer 6

The nasopharynx, oropharynx, and related structures.

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Question 7

Filtering and humidification of inspired air is not as efficient with…

Answer 7

…mouth breathing.

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Question 8

What structure connects the upper and lower airways?

Answer 8

The larynx

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