Lecture 15- The lower respiratory tract Flashcards
What are the key components of the lower respiratory tract?
- Larynx
- Trachea
- Bronchi
- Bronchioles
- Alveoli
What are the functions of the lower respiratory tract?
- Conducts air to/from site of gas exchange
- Completes cleaning, warming and humidifying of air
- Provides a barrier between the air and blood, and a large surface area for gas exchange
What passes through the larynx?
Only air
Where is the larynx positioned?
- Anterior to esophagus
- From hyoid bone to trachea
What are the three types of cartilage in the larynx? What are their functions?
-Epiglottis: Most important, sit underneath tongue and
runs diagonally to stop food getting into airway. Pressure causes it to flap down.
- Thyroid cartilage: If you press on your throat you can feel this. Includes the Laryngeal prominence which is more obvious in men.
- Cricoid cartilage: Thick, complete ring holds airway to keep its shape.
What part of the larynx is responsible for voice?
- The glottis= voice box
- Has folds attached to cartilage
What are the two types of folds in the glottis, how does their function vary?
- Vocal folds:
- Are the ‘True’ vocal cords responsible for normal sounds that come out of mouth
- Passing air causes vibrations = sound waves - Vestibular folds
- ’False’ vocal cords
- Superior to vocal folds
- Prevent foreign object entry to glottis
- Can produce very deep sounds
Why are men’s voices deeper than female voices?
Testosterone affects cartilage and muscle, resulting in longer, thicker folds and therefore a deeper voice
What is below the larynx? Where is this in relation to other parts of the respiratory system?
- The trachea
- Anterior to esophagus
- Between larynx and primary bronchi
What is the function of the trachea?
- Maintain patent airway
- Clean, warm, humidify air as has respiratory epithelium
- Rings provide some protection
How does the trachea maintain a patent airway?
- C-shaped cartilage rings (gives support)
- Ends connected by band of smooth muscle at posterior: the trachealis which contract for coughing to clear any obstructions
- Has many elastin fibres in lamina propria/submucosa layers which recoil when coughing
Why in the trachea is a C shape ring used rather than a full ring?
Means the cartilage doesn’t protrude into the esophagus. This would limit the amount of food that could go down.
What are the tiny structures within the submucosa of the trachea?
- Submucosal glands
- Tells us that making air moist and clean is important in the trachea as mucus is made in the underlying tissue as well as goblet cells of epithelium
What is the mucociliary escalator and why is it needed?
- Mucus from goblet cells and mucous glands coat surface of epithelium. Debris becomes trapped. Cilia move mucus up to pharynx where debris can be swallowed
- Called the escalator as having to move against gravity unlike in URT
- Found in the trachea
Which structure prevents food from entering the larynx?
The epiglottis