Lecture 17 - Anatomy of breathing Flashcards
What is the location of the lungs?
In the thorax, separated by the heart and mediastinum
Extend from neck to the diaphragm
What is the structure of the lungs?
Conical shaped
Soft spongy lungs
Apex = above clavicle
Diaphragmatic surface = adjacent to ribs
Costal surface = adjacent to ribs
Mediastinal surface = facing mediastinum
How is the right lung composed?
Wider and shorter
3 lobes, superior, middle, inferior
2 fissures, oblique, horizontal
How is the left lung composed?
Narrower and longer
2 lobes, superior, inferior
1 fissure, oblique
What is the hilum of the lung?
On the mediastinal surface
Is where pulmonary vessels, bronchi, bronchi vessels, lymphatics and nerves enter and leave the lung
What are some physical properties of the lungs?
Compliance
Elasticity
Why do the lungs have compliance?
Compliance is the ability to expand
Affected by:
Connective tissue structure
Level of surfactant
Mobility of thoracic cage
How do the lungs have elasticity?
They have elastic tissue
Allows for expansion during inspiration and recoil during expiration
What is the pleura?
Double layered serous membranes around the lungs
What is the visceral pleura?
Adheres directly to the lungs
What is the parietal pleura?
Layers on top of the parietal pleura
Attaches to thoracic wall and diaphragm
What is the pleural cavity?
Space between visceral pleura and parietal pleura containing a thin layer of serous fluid
What is the function of the pleura?
Reduces friction when breathing
Makes a pressure gradient to help ventilation
Compartmentalises each lung to stop infection
What is the bony thorax?
Forms skeleton around chest wall
Made up of 12 pairs of ribs, 12 thoracic vertebrae and the sternum