Introduction to the Respiratory System

Question 1

List the functions of the respiratory system

Answer 1

Gaseous exchange, acid-base balance, phonation, warming, humidification, gas filtration and defence against airborne pathogens

Question 2

What is the role of the cricoid cartilage?

Answer 2

Attaches top of the trachea to the thyroid cartilage of the larynx

Question 3

What is the ‘voice box’?

Answer 3

The larynx, as it is involved in sound production by using the vocal folds for phonation

Question 4

What is the air in the conducting airways known as?

Answer 4

Dead space gas

Question 5

Which aspects of the respiratory system contain C-shaped cartilage rings?

Answer 5

Trachea and main bronchi

Question 6

What is the epithelium lining the conducting airways?

Answer 6

Ciliated pseudostratified columnar or simple columnar further down the conducting airways

Question 7

What are type I pneumocytes?

Answer 7

The squamous cells of the respiratory components of the airways

Question 8

What are type II pneumocytes?

Answer 8

Cuboidal cells which form septa between alveoli and produce surfactant to reduce surface tension in the alveoli

Question 9

What are the pores of Kohn?

Answer 9

Small holes in alveolar walls; these provide collateral ventilation between alveoli

Question 10

How do you calculate partial pressure of gas?

Answer 10

Partial pressure of gas (A) = total pressure in gas mixture (-44) x fractional concentration of (A)

Question 11

Why do you have to account for water vapour when calculating the partial pressure of a gas?

Answer 11

Water vapour is added to inspired gas as it moves through the mouth or nasopharynx and therefore the calculation must deduct 44mmHg to compensate for this

Question 12

How is oxygen partial pressure affected with altitude?

Answer 12

At altitude the oxygen fraction stays constant but the total pressure decreases and therefore oxygen partial pressure decreases and therefore respiratory rate or depth must be increased in order to compensate

Question 13

What are the major social factors associated with pulmonary disease?

Answer 13

Poor housing, nutrition, income, smoking, travel, drug abuse, STDs

Question 14

What are the major environmental factors associated with pulmonary disease?

Answer 14

Air pollution, house dust mites

Question 15

What are the major occupational factors associated with pulmonary disease?

Answer 15

Dust and chemical exposure, allergies