Functional Lung and Thorax Anatomy Flashcards
Surface anatomy of the anterior thorax
Segmental nerves of the trunk
Function to transfer information between the central nervous system and the trunk wall segments
___ form a scaffolding for breast tissue within the subcutaneous fat
Thick sheets of collagen fibers, the suspensory ligaments of Cooper, form a scaffolding for breast tissue within the subcutaneous fat
The trunk wall segments supplied by the ventral rami of spinal nerves are full thickness segments, including . . .
superficial layers, musculoskeletal wall, and inner layers (endothoracic fascia and parietal pleura in the thoracic cavity and endoabdominal fascia and parietal peritoneum in the abdominopelvic cavity).
Respiratory controller
Term used to denote the various elements of the system responsible for producing the neurological output of the brain that regulates breathing rate and tidal volume.
Respiratory controller diagram
Central pattern generator
Region of the medulla where the neurons that regulate inspiratory and expiratory activity reside. Subdivided into a dorsal respiratory group and a ventral respiratory group. The DRG is primarily inspiratory in nature while the VRG is both inspiratory and expiratory. The VRG also controls the larynx.
Pontine respiratory group
A third set of neurons regulating respiration that exists in the pons. These neurons seem to regulate the transition from inspiration to expiration and also coordinate breathing motions with other motions.
Injuries to the pontine respiratory group
Result in very long inspiratory phases with short and forceful expiratory phases and a brief pause before inspiring again.
Peripheral chemoreceptors
Reside in the aortic arch and carotid bifurcation. Respond to hypoxemia, hypercapnia (elevated CO2), and pH. Relay signals to the medulla.
Central chemoreceptors
Located in the brainstem. Sensitive to changes in arterial CO2 and pH.
Volitional breathing
Volitional breath signals originate in the motor cortex and descend directly to the relevant muscles, without passing through the DRG, VRG, or PRG.
Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome
A genetic disorder in which the respiratory controller is unable to generate automatic breathing. These individuals must breathe consciously all the time, and must be hooked up to devices that breathe for them in order to sleep.
Breathholds are generated by. . .
. . . directly inhibiting inspiratory neurons in the medulla.
The ventilatory pump is composed of. . .
The bones, muscles, and soft tissue of the thorax, the pleura, the peripheral nerves connecting the CNS to the ventilatory muscles, and the airways of the lung.
