Learning Objectives 4: Respiratory System Flashcards
Identify and describe the structures of the respiratory system
nose-(the organ of olfaction, which also acts as an air passage that warms, moistens, and filters the air on its way to the lungs. Anterior to the nasal cavity)
nasal cavity-(the space inside the nose that lies between the floor of the cranium and the roof of the mouth. anterior to the pharynx)
pharynx-(a passageway for food from the mouth to the oesophagus, and as an air passage from the nasal cavity and mouth to the larynx, posterior to the mouth and nasal cavity)
larynx-(the organ responsible for the production of vocal sounds, also serving as an air passage conveying air from the pharynx to the lungs. Superior to the trachea and anterior to the pharynx)
trachea-(the part of the air passage between the larynx and the main bronchi. Inferior to the larynx, medial to the lungs)
bronchi (bronchus)-(the air passages beyond the trachea (windpipe) that has cartilage and mucous glands in its wall)
bronchiole-(a subdivision of the bronchial tree that does not contain cartilage or mucous glands in its wall)
alveoli (alveolus)-(a blind-ended air sac of microscopic size where gas exchange occurs)
diaphragm-(a thin musculomembranous dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities. It contracts with each inspiration and relaxes and is restored to its dome shape during expiration
inferior to the other structures of the respiratory system)
What are alveoli? What is their general structure?
Air sacs where gas exchange occurs through capillaries. They are surrounded by capillaries and elastic fibers that allow expansion and recoil.
how and where does gas exchange occur
In general gas exchange occurs in the alveoli of the lungs. Air enters the lungs, blood is transported to the lungs from the heart for oxygenation (O2 travels from alveoli to capillaries and CO2 travels from capillaries to alveoli for exhalation), the freshly oxygenated blood travels from the lungs back to the heart to be pumped into the rest of the body.
Describe the structure of pleura
The pleura is one membrane with different names. It surrounds the lungs.
Parietal pleura-(the side of the pleura closer to the wall of the body)
visceral pleura-(the side of the pleura that is in contact with the surface of the lungs)
Pleural cavity-(the space between the parietal and visceral pleura)
Hilum-(the interruption of the pleura that allows room for other structures like the bronchi)
What are tonsils and adenoids
Tonsils are collections of lymphatic tissue and infection fighting cells. Adenoids are the tonsils/collections of lymphatic tissue located on the superior aspect of the pharynx
What is atelectasis and its three general causes of atelectasis
Atelectasis is a collapsed lung/incomplete dilation of the lung.
The three general causes are
1. Obstruction (airway blockage)
2. Fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity (pleural effusion)
3. Air accumulation in the pleural cavity (pneumothorax)
What is one possible treatment for atelectasis
thoracocentesis: a surgical puncture of the chest to release accumulated fluid or air
What is cystic fibrosis (include causes, what cells it impacts, and areas it tends to affect)
A genetic disorder that affects mucus producing cells in the body. It tends to affect the lungs and digestive system.
What is COPD? What two conditions contribute to it?
COPD is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease., a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. The two contributing diseases are emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
What causes emphysema? How does emphysema damage lung tissue?
Emphysema is typically caused by smoking. It damages lung tissue by decreasing the elasticity of alveoli, causing decreased gas exchange because gas becomes trapped with alveoli.
What is chronic bronchitis? What causes it and how are the structures of the lungs impacted?
Chronic bronchitis is a form of COPD that affects the bronchi and bronchioles of the lungs. It causes inflammation in the affected structures, which narrows airways and causes difficulty breathing. Another symptom of the disorder is increased mucus production that blocks airways. Smoking is another main cause of chronic bronchitis
