Introduction to lungs, airway and blood supply Flashcards
What are the 4 functions of the respiratory system?
Gas exchange
Acid-base balance
Protection from infection
Communication (speech)
What is the basic function of the respiratory system in terms of gas exchange?
Adds oxygen
Removes Carbon dioxide
(to/from the blood)
What are the differences between pulmonary and systemic circulation?
Pulmonary circulation refers to the circulation carrying blood between the heart and lungs
Systemic circulation is the between the heart and rest of the body
What 2 blood vessels make up the pulmonary circulation?
What is their function?
Pulmonary artery - which carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs
Pulmonary vein - which carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart
“Arteries always carry ______ blood, apart from the pulmonary artery which carries ______ blood”
Oxygenated
De-oxygenated
Where does gas exchange occur between the air and blood?
Alveoli
Alveoli are surrounded by a capillary bed.
Why does gaseous exchange not take place in veins or arteries?
The walls of veins and arteries are too thick to allow diffusion
What is the normal respiratory rate, at rest, in an adult?
10-20 breaths per minute
How does our respiratory system change when we do exercise?
Rate of ventilation increases
Depth of ventilation increases
What is the pharynx?
Throat
What is the small flap of tissue that folds over the trachea called?
Epiglottis
Where are your vocal chords contained?
The larynx
Superior to the trachea, inferior to the epiglottis
What is contained in the upper and lower respiratory tracts?
Upper:
- Mouth
- Nasal cavity
- Pharynx
- Epiglottis*
- Larynx
Lower:
- Trachea
- Bronchi
- Lungs
What encloses the lower respiratory tract?
Ribs
Spine
Diaphragm
(the thorax)
What is the main difference between the anatomy of the right and left lungs?
Right lung has 3 lobes
Left lung only has 2 lobes
What are the 3 lobes of the right lung?
Superior
Middle
Inferior
What separates the lobes of the right lung?
Superior and middle lobes are separated by the horizontal fissure
Middle and inferior lobes are separated by the oblique fissure
How does the left lung differ from the right lung?
in terms of lobes n shit
It doesnt have a middle lobe or a horizontal fissure
“The trachea branches out, with structures called ______”
Bronchi
What is the difference between the primary bronchi to the left lung and to the right lung?
The right primary bronchi is wider/thicker and is more vertical than the left primary bronchi
“In the respiratory system, the greatest resistance to airflow is found in the…”
Conducting zone
Trachea and the first few bronchi
What is ‘patency’ and how is it maintained?
Patency = remaining/being open
Patency is maintained by C shaped rings of cartilage around the airway
What ‘levels’ of the respiratory system feature C shaped rings of cartilage?
Larynx
Trachea
Bronchi
How many times does each bronchus branch, before terminating in an alveoli cluster?
22 - 24 times
