Lungs - the thorax

Question 1

Parietal pleura

Answer 1

A mesothelial membrane lining the inner surface of the thoracic wall, diaphragm, and mediastinum

Question 2

Visceral pleura

Answer 2

The pleura reflected from the mediastinum onto the lungs, covering their outer surface

Question 3

Pleural cavity

Answer 3

A potential space between the parietal and visceral pleura, containing a small amount of pleural fluid

Question 4

Pleural fluid

Answer 4

Lubricates the pleural surfaces, reducing friction during respiration.

Question 5

Pleural effusion

Answer 5

Excess accumulation of pleural fluid in the pleural cavity, which can compress the lung and impair respiration

Question 6

Pneumothorax

Answer 6

the presence of air in the pleural cavity, which can cause lung collapse

Question 7

Pleuritis

Answer 7

Inflammation of the pleura, often leading to pleuritic pain due to irritation of the parietal pleura, which is innervated by intercostal and phrenic nerves.

Question 8

Lobes of lung

Answer 8

Right lung: Three lobes (superior, middle, and inferior)
Left lung: Two lobes (superior and inferior)

Question 9

Fissures of lung

Answer 9

Oblique fissure: present in both lungs, separates the superior and inferior lobes
Horizontal fissure: present only in the right lung, separates the superior and middle lobes.

Question 10

Hilum of lung

Answer 10

The root of the lung, where the bronchi, pulmonary arteries, pulmonary veins, bronchial vessels, lymphatics, and nerves enter and exit.

Question 11

Alveoli

Answer 11

Small air sacs at the terminal end of the bronchial tree, responsible for gas exchange

Question 12

Bronchial tree

Answer 12

a branching system of airways, beginning at the trachea and dividing into progressively smaller airways.

Question 13

Pleural effusion anatomical basis

Answer 13

Hydrothorax & Hemothorax

Question 14

Hydrothorax

Answer 14

Accumulation of serous fluid in the pleural cavity

Question 15

Hemothorax

Answer 15

Accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity, often due to trauma affecting intercostal or internal thoracic vessels.

Question 16

Pneumothorax anatomical basis

Answer 16

Occurs when air enters the pleural cavity, leading to lung collapse.
Can result from penetrating chest trauma, spontaneous rupture of lung blebs, or mechanical ventilation injury.

Question 17

Respiratory muscles

Answer 17

Diaphragm: primary muscle of respiration
Intercostal muscles: Support rib cage and aid in breathing
Accessory muscles: Assist in forced respiration (scalene muscles, sternocleidomastoid, abdominal muscles)

Question 18

Goblet cells

Answer 18

Specialized mucus-producing cells found in the epithelium of the airways.

Question 19

Ciliated epithelium

Answer 19

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium with cilia lines the trachea and bronchi, helping to move mucus and trapped particles toward the pharynx.

Question 20

Hyaline cartilage

Answer 20

Provides structural support to the trachea and bronchi, preventing collapse during breathing.

Question 21

Smooth muscle regulation

Answer 21

Found in the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles, controlling airway diameter

Question 22

Airway constriction

Answer 22

Mediated by the parasympathetic nervous system via the vagus nerve, leading to bronchoconstriction.

Question 23

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium

Answer 23

lines the upper airways, providing a protective barrier and mucociliary clearance.

Question 24

Goblet cells (functional relationship)

Answer 24

Produce mucus, which traps inhaled particles and pathogens.

Question 25

Mucus clearance

Answer 25

The cilia of the pseudostratified columnar epithelium transport mucus and trapped particles towards the pharynx.

Question 26

Bronchodilation

Answer 26

Mediated by the sympathetic nervous system, allowing for increased airflow.

Question 27

Asthma

Answer 27

Airway hyperresponsiveness, leading to bronchoconstriction, increased mucus production, and inflammation. Involves smooth muscle contraction and thickening of the bronchial wall.

Question 28

COPD

Answer 28

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Chronic bronchitis or Emphysema

Question 29

Chronic bronchitis

Answer 29

excessive mucus production and inflammation of the bronchi

Question 30

Emphysema

Answer 30

destruction of the alveolar walls, leading to loss of elastic recoil and air trapping.

Question 31

Lung cancer

Answer 31

Can originate in the bronchial epithelium (bronchogenic carcinoma) May obstruct airways or invade adjacent structures in the mediastinum.

Question 32

Trachea

Answer 32

A flexible tube supported by C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings

Question 33

Carina

Answer 33

A ridge at the bifurcation of the trachea, marking the division into the main bronchi

Question 34

Main (primary) bronchi

Answer 34

The right main bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left The left main bronchus is narrower and more horizontal

Question 35

Lobar (secondary) bronchi

Answer 35

The right lung has three lobar bronchi The left lung has two lobar bronchi

Question 36

Segmental (tertiary) bronchi

Answer 36

Each lobar bronchus divides into segmental bronchi which supply bronchopulmonary segments.

Question 37

Bronchioles

Answer 37

Smaller airways that lack cartilage and are primary regulated by smooth muscle

Question 38

Termnial bronchioles

Answer 38

The last branches of the conducting airways before the respiratory zone.

Question 39

Alveolar ducts

Answer 39

thin-walled passages leading to the alveolar sacs.

Question 40

Alveolar sacs

Answer 40

clusters of alveoli, where gas exchange occurs.