Lecture 1 - Structure and Function

Question 1

MECHANICAL DEFENSE in the lung references structures that mechanically prevent passage of particles down into the alveoli. Particles > ___microns typically get caught in the _______. Particles between ____ and ____microns typically get caught in the muco-______ components of the trachea and bronchi. Particles < ____microns tend to make their way into the alveoli, which rely on resident _______ to phagocytize and clear the particles.

Answer 1

> 5microns –> Nasopharynx

2-5microns –> mucocilliary components

< 2microns –> resident macrophages

Question 2

The ______ is the term for the point at which the trachea divides into the left and right main bronchi.

Answer 2

Carina

Question 3

The ______ bronchioles, right before the ______ bronchioles, are the last parts of the Conducting pathway in the respiratory system (last part before gas exchange.)

Answer 3

Terminal bronchioles

Respiratory bronchioles

Question 4

Moving from the trachea into the bronchii, which component is more able to contract and why?

Answer 4

The bronchii are more ale to contract because they do not have continuous rings of cartilages around them, but they DO have smooth muscle that encircles them.

Question 5

What does the term Interdependence refer to with respect to alveolar structure?

Answer 5

The wall of one alveolus comprises a segment of the wall of the adjacent alveoli, so they basically help each other remain open. Though, the collapse of one will affect the others as well.

Question 6

The ______ circulation, which originates in the _____ ventricle, is responsible for gas exchange at the alveoli. The _____ circulation, which branches from the descending ______, is responsible for nourishing the lung tissue with oxygenated blood.

Answer 6

Pulmonary

Right ventricle

Bronchiolar

Aorta

Question 7

What happens to alveolar walls in Emphasema?

Answer 7

The walls breakdown, and the alveoli merge to form a convalescence of alveoli, which decreases the overall surface area for gas exchange.

Question 8

Type II pneumocytes produce _____ which lowers the surface tension of alveoli –> think about how water forms small, distinct droplets on a waxed car (high surface tension) vs diffuse spreading of water when mixed with soap.

Answer 8

Surfactant

Question 9

In Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), ______ is produced but is dysfunctional.

Answer 9

Surfactant

Question 10

Pores of _____ help alveoli communicate and release pressure into each other.

Answer 10

Kohn