Module 2 Respiratory System

Question 1

What are the three main functions of the respiratory system (anatomical organization)?

Answer 1

The anatomical organization of the respiratory system allows it to perform three main functions: 1) Air conduction, 2) Air filtration, and 3) Exchange of Gases.

Also called respiration.

Question 2

What are the three parts of the pharynx?

Answer 2

Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, laryngopharynx.

Question 3

True or false: the rings that cover the trachea are a complete circle.

Answer 3

False: the cartilaginous rings of the trachea do not meet on the posterior side.

Question 4

What important steps need to happen during the swallowing process to prevent aspiration?

Answer 4

1- The larynx rises and 2- the trachea is closed by the epiglottis. The epiglottis moves inferiorly, covering the trachea.

Question 5

Why does the soft palate elevate during swallowing?

Answer 5

The upward movement of the soft palate prevents food or liquid from entering the nasal passages during swallowing.

Question 6

What is the glottis?

Answer 6

An opening in the larynx where the vocal cords (vocal folds) are located.

Question 7

What is aspiration?

Answer 7

Food or liquid that accidentally enters the trachea (then lungs).

Question 8

True or False? The left lung has three lobes.

Answer 8

False. The left lung has two lobes. The right lung has three lobes.

Question 9

Name two functions of the pleura.

Answer 9

Facilitates movement of lungs with body wall. Enclose the lungs/pleural cavity.

Question 10

What is the major histology type in the respiratory system?

Answer 10

Ciliated pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium.

Question 11

What is the name of the ‘floor’ of the epithelium in the respiratory tract?

Answer 11

Basement membrane.

Question 12

Why are the cells in the respiratory epithelium called columnar cells?

Answer 12

They are ‘rectangular’ in shape; taller than they are wide.

Question 13

What are the wine-glass shaped mucous-producing cells?

Answer 13

Goblet cells.

Question 14

Where can stratified squamous epithelium be found in the respiratory system?

Answer 14

Vestibule of the nose.

Question 15

Describe the purpose of surfactant.

Answer 15

Covers the luminal surface and keeps the alveoli from sticking together during exhalation.

Question 16

List and describe the two types of alveolar epithelium.

Answer 16

Type I form the very thin simple squamous epithelium of the alveoli in junction with capillaries; Type II produce and secrete pulmonary surfactant which is needed throughout the alveolar surface to keep the alveoli open.

Type II cells can divide to replace damaged Type I cells.

Question 17

What is the most abundant cell found within the alveoli?

Answer 17

Alveolar macrophages.

Question 18

Explain the steps necessary for inhalation.

Answer 18

Negative pressure created inside lungs by the pleural space. The motion of the rib cage lifts superiorly and anteriorly to open and expand the lungs. The diaphragm is flattened as it contracts. As thoracic cavity expands, lung volume increases, and the density of the gases filling the lungs decreases, air pressure outside is now greater than inside, air will naturally flow into the lungs.

Question 19

What is meant that ‘negative pressure’ is created inside the lungs?

Answer 19

This means that the pressure inside this space is less than that of the atmosphere, allowing air to naturally flow into the lungs.

Question 20

True or false: Exhalation is an active process.

Answer 20

Exhalation (or expiration) passively occurs. When the rib cage is lowered and the diaphragm rises, thoracic pressure increases and therefore air moves out of the lungs where the pressure is lower.

Question 21

What is the function of hemoglobin?

Answer 21

Hemoglobin combines with the oxygen entering the blood to carry the oxygen in the blood system from the lungs to the cells of the tissues.

Question 22

What muscle is largely responsible for providing movement for respiration?

Answer 22

The diaphragm.

Question 23

Ultimately gas exchange occurs where?

Answer 23

Respiratory bronchioles and pulmonary alveoli.

Question 24

Most of the carbon dioxide is transported in the blood in what form?

Answer 24

Bicarbonate ion.

Question 25

Review all respiratory physiology measurement terms and know definitions.

Answer 25

Review figure and terminology in module.

Question 26

Boyle’s law states what?

Answer 26

Gas volume is inversely proportional to pressure.

Question 27

There are three gases in a tank. The partial pressure of the first is 120 mmHg, the pressure of the second is 320 mmHg. What is the partial pressure of the third at 1 atm?

Answer 27

120 mmHg + 320 mmHg = 440 mmHg. 760 mmHg - 440 mmHg = 320 mm Hg.

Remember that 1 atm = 760 mm Hg.

Question 28

This law helps explain why warming the air is beneficial to the respiratory system.

Answer 28

Charles’s Law.

Question 29

This is the amount of air able to be exhaled beyond normal exhalation.

Answer 29

Expiratory reserve volume (typically around 1200mL).

Question 30

This is the amount of air inhaled and exhaled in one cycle of quiet breathing.

Answer 30

Tidal volume.

Question 31

What is cystic fibrosis?

Answer 31

A serious genetic disease of excretory glands, affecting lungs and other organs; it causes production of very thick mucus that interferes with normal digestion and breathing.

Question 32

What is pulmonary edema?

Answer 32

An accumulation of fluid in the lungs.