Gas exchange Flashcards
What does a tracheal cross-section show?
A tracheal cross-section shows the large lumen which air has to travel through.
What type of cells are found in the innermost layer of the trachea?
The innermost cells of the trachea are the ciliated epithelia with projections called cilia.
What is depicted in an electron micrograph regarding cilia?
The density of the cilia is shown in this electron micrograph.
What is the function of cilia in the respiratory system?
Cilia are essential for sweeping bacteria and dust-filled mucus away from the lungs and up the trachea into the back of the mouth.
What happens to mucus after it is swept up by cilia?
This mucus is then swallowed, with any pathogens hopefully destroyed by the acidic conditions in the stomach.
What distinguishes bronchi from the trachea?
Bronchi have a narrower lumen, measuring 8.7mm compared to the trachea’s 18mm.
What type of epithelium lines the bronchi?
Bronchi are lined by ciliated epithelium.
size of bronchioles?
Bronchioles are approximately 1mm or less in diameter.
What is found in the walls of bronchioles?
Smooth muscle and cuboidal epithelium are found in their walls.
What is the appearance of alveoli under a microscope?
Alveoli have a sponge-like appearance due to their air spaces.
What surrounds the alveoli?
Alveoli are surrounded by an extensive capillary network.
What lines the alveoli?
Alveoli are lined by squamous epithelium.
What is the diameter of the tracheal lumen?
The tracheal lumen is around 15 to 20 mm.
What lines the tracheal lumen?
The tracheal lumen is lined by ciliated epithelia.
What surrounds the tracheal wall?
The tracheal wall is surrounded by strong and flexible cartilage.
What is the function of the cartilage in the trachea?
The cartilage flexes during breathing.
What role does the smooth muscle of the trachea play?
The smooth muscle of the trachea constricts and allows air to be expelled with more force.
Label the diagram of trachea wall cross section
What lines the bronchus?
The bronchus is lined with ciliated epithelium.
What provides structural support to the bronchi?
The cartilage hoops provide structural support to the bronchi.
What do the gland ducts in the bronchial tubes secrete?
The gland ducts secrete mucus in the bronchial tubes.
Label the cross section of a bronchus
