Lecture 15: The Lower Respiratory Tract Flashcards
What are the 5 components of the LRT?
- larynx
- trachea
- bronchi
- bronchioles
- alveoli
What are the 3 functions of the LRT?
- conducts air to and from the site of gas exchange
- completes cleaning, warming, and humidifying of air
- provides a barrier between the air and the blood, and a large area for gas exchange
Where is the larynx located?
from the hyoid bone to the trachea
What passes through the larynx?
Air only
What is the purpose of the cartilage surrounding the larynx?
To protect it and to maintain an open airway
Name 5 cartilages of surrounding the larynx?
Thyroid cartilage, laryngeal prominence, cricoid cartilage, tracheal cartilage, epiglottis
What is the function of the thyroid cartilage/laryngeal prominence?
It is a big protective layer to make sure the airway stays open
Describe the cricoid cartilage
It is a complete ring of cartilage
What is the purpose of the epiglottis?
It prevents food from entering the airway
Where is the epiglottis?
Above the larynx
Is the glottis/voice box part of the larynx?
YES
Describe the glottis
There are folds of tissue attached to cartilages. When air passes over them, there is movement and this produces sound.
What are the two folds of the glottis?
vocal folds
vesibular folds
Describe the vocal folds
- true vocal cords
- used to produce everyday sound such as speaking and singing
How does the vocal folds produce sound?
Because they are such as thin membrane, when air passes over them it produces sound
How does testosterone affect the vocal folds?
testosterone affects the cartilage and the muscle, resulting in longer, thicker folds which results in a deeper tone
What is the role of the vestibular/”false” vocal cords?
These can close over to make sure foreign objects don’t damage the other vocal cords, or go further down the airway
They also produce very deep sounds
Where is the trachea located?
anterior to the oesophagus, sitting between the larynx and the primary bronchi
What is the role of the trachea?
Keep the airway open so that air can get to the lungs
How can the trachea keep the airways open?
There are C-shaped (incomplete) rings of cartilage which hold it open.
Where is the trachealis muscle and what is its role?
It is on the posterior aspect of the trachea which spasms when foreign objects enter the trachea which stimulates a cough and this forces the objects out of the trachea
What sort of epithelium lines the trachea?
respiratory epithelia: pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with goblet cells
Where is the mucociliary escalator?
in the trachea
What is the purpose of the mucociliary escalator?
It removes debris to the pharynx to be swallowed and digested
How does the mucociliary escalator work?
mucus from goblet cells coat the surfaces of the epithelium so the debris becomes trapped then the cilia move the mucus to the pharynx
How many lungs do you have?
2
How many lobes does the lung on the right have?
3