Lungs And Airways Flashcards
Define ventilation
The action of mobilizing the body to create breathing action
What is respiration ?
It’s a cellular phenomenon
It’s both external and internal
External respiration happens when gaz are exchanged between capillaries and cells in tissues
Internal respiration happens when mitochondria use oxygenated blood to create ATP
What is the ventilation rate in healthy adults ?
10 cycles of inhale/ exhale (movement) per minute
What is the average heart frequency in healthy adults (at rest)
70 beats/ minute
Which nervous structures control the breath ?
- primarily involves neurons in the reticular formation of the medulla and pons
- medulla sets the breathing rhythm
- pons influences and modifies the activity of medullary neurons
Describe the aerobic respiration
Takes place in the mitochondria
It requires oxygen and glucose and produces carbon dioxyde, water and ATP
Which structures compose the upper thoracic tract ?
—> extra thoracic structures : Mouth External nose Nasal cavity Nasopharynx and oropharynx and laryngopharynx composing the pharynx Larynx
Regarding upper and lower thoracic tracts, how does their proportions evolve through life ?
50/50 in newborn, who are therefore much more exposed to virus and risk of respiratory disease
The proportion of low thoracic tract grows with age as well as the surface area of the alevoli
What are the functions of the external nose ?
Sole olfactory AND respiratory organ
Resonator of voice
Define the mucous membrane of the external nose
Specialize epithelial cells called goblet cells
Filter particulate matter
Adjust temperature and humidity of inspired air
What specific structures form the nasal cavities
The superior, middle and inferior concha
Where is located the olfactory region
In the nasal cavity
At the level of the superior concha
What is the technique to properly remove the secretions stagnating in the nasal mucosa ?
Sniff and spit
What is the specific role of goblet cells ?
Goblet cells form the membrane of the mucosa / the nasal epithelium. They extend into cilia which swap the secretions from the lungs to the periphery (approx 100 mL per day)
What are the anatomical zones of the pharynx
- nasopharynx
- oropharynx
- laryngopharynx
What is the cervical level of the larynx in adults ? In children ?
Adults : C4
In children it’s located higher : C3
What happens to trachea when we swallow ?
Epiglottis blocks the way to trachea
Where is the larynx located ?
Between the pharynx and the trachea from C3 to C6
What is the role of the larynx ?
Voicebox + air guidance
What is the structure of the larynx
Respiratory mucosa
Ligaments + 9 cartilage structures :
Unpaired : epiglottis, thyroid, cricoid
Paired : cuneiform, corniculate, arytenoid
Define the thoracic airways
Complex series of branching tubes that culminate in the gaz exchange area Composed of the tracheobronchial tree : - trachea - 2 main bronchi - lobar bronchi - segmental bronchi - bronchiole (respiratory bronchi + alveolar duct) - alveoli
What is the specificity of bronchioles
They are composed of respiratory bronchi and alveolar duct
As some alveoli are attached to the respiratory bronchi, some gaz exchanges happen at this level too
What are the 2 zones of the intrathoracic airways ?
Conducting zone
Respiratory zone
Limit between both : bronchioles
What can you tell about the angle formed by the tracheal and the main bronchi ? Why ?
Angle formed by the right main bronchi and trachea is bigger than the one formed by the left main bronchi and trachea. This is caused by the presence of the heart.
What is the name of the junction between the two main bronchi ?
The carina
Any bifurcation can be called a carina
What is the shape of the tracheal cartilage ? Why ?
C shaped
Posteriorly related to the esophagus