Histology of the respiratory system Flashcards
What are the parts of the respiratory tract?
Conducting part
Respiratory part
What is meant by the conducting part of the respiratory tract?
Air passes through here
but no gas exchange occurs
What are the actual conducting parts of the respiratory tract?
Nasal cavity
Pharynx
Larynx
Trachea
Bronchi
Terminal bronchioles
What is meant by the respiratory part of the respiratory tract?
Where gas exchange takes place
What are the actual respiratory parts of the respiratory tract?
Respiratory bronchioles
Alveolar ducts
Alveolar sacs
Alveoli
What covers the surface of the nasal cavity?
Mucosa
What are the different types of mucosa in the nasal cavity?
Nasal mucosa
Olfactory mucosa
Where are the nasal and olfactory mucosa located in the nasal cavity?
Olfactory mucosa is located in the superior posterior region of the nasal cavity
Nasal mucosa is located everywhere else
What type of epithelium lines the nasal mucosa?
Pseudostratified ciliated epithelium
Goblet cells
What is the function of goblet cells in the nasal mucosa?
Produce mucus
What is the function of mucus in the nasal cavity?
Trap particles, bacteria etc.
What is the function of the cilia in the nasal mucosa?
Beat
waft mucus containing particles, bacteria etc. down to oropharynx to be swallowed
What does the lamina propria of the nasal mucosa contain?
Serous glands, mucous glands
Lots of blood vessels
What is the function of the mucous glands in the nasal mucosa?
Secrete mucus
What is the function of the serous glands in the nasal mucosa?
Secrete watery substance
What is the function of the watery substance secreted by the serous glands in the nasal mucosa?
Humidify the inspired air
What is the function of the rich blood supply of the nasal mucosa?
Warms the inspired air
How does the olfactory mucosa compare to the nasal mucosa?
Contains olfactory neurons
What is the function of the olfactory neurons?
Special sensory - smell