Non-respiratory Air (Gas) Movements

Question 1

Cough

Answer 1

Taking a deep breath, closing glottis, and forcing air superiorly from lungs against glottis. Then, glottis opens suddenly, and a blast of air rushes upward. Coughs act to clear the lower respiratory passageways

Question 2

Sneeze

Answer 2

Similar to a cough, except that expelled air is directed through nasal cavities instead of through oral cavity. The uvula (u′vu-lah), a dangling tag of tissue hanging from the soft palate, becomes depressed and closes oral cavity off from pharynx, routing air through nasal cavities. Sneezes clear upper respiratory passages

Question 3

Crying

Answer 3

Inspiration followed by release of air in a number of short expirations. Primarily an emotionally induced mechanism

Question 4

Laughing

Answer 4

Essentially same as crying in terms of the air movements produced. Also an emotionally induced response

Question 5

Hiccups

Answer 5

Sudden inspirations resulting from spasms of diaphragm; initiated by irritation of diaphragm or phrenic nerves, which serve diaphragm. The sound occurs when inspired air hits vocal folds of closed glottis

Question 6

Yawn

Answer 6

Very deep inspiration, taken with jaws wide open; ventilates all alveoli (some alveoli may remain collapsed during normal quiet breathing)