Introduction Flashcards
What is the respiratory system divided up into?
Upper respiratory and lower respiratory tract
What does the upper respiratory tract include?
Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, pharynx (throat) and larynx (voice box), mouth
What is the purpose of the upper respiratory system?
Condition inspired air before it reaches the lungs
Describe air before it reaches the lungs
Warmed to body temperature, humidified and filtered for particulates
What is found in the lower respiratory tract?
Larynx below the level of vocal chords, the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and lungs
What is the purpose of the lower respiratory system?
Gas exchange - conducts inspired air to the tissues and removal of particulates
What do the lungs contain?
Alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs and alveoli
How is the rhythm of breathing controlled?
Controlled by the respiratory centres in the brainstem
Where is the respiratory centre located?
In the lower part of the brainstem in an area called the medulla oblongata
Describe inspiratory neurones
Active during inspiration and inactive during expiration
What are the other types of neurones that are activated?
Expiratory neurones
What do inspiratory and expiratory neurones maintain?
Automatically maintain a rhythmic cycling pattern of inspiration and expiration by which is modified by the afferent information
Where does afferent information come from?
Chemoreceptors, the brain and receptors in the lungs
