Non-respiratory lung function

Question 1

Describe neurological control of lungs

Answer 1

Dorsal respiratory group:
Located in dorsal medulla
Involved in respiration
Inputs via vagus & glossopharyngeal nerve (Mechanoreceptors & Peripheral chemoreceptors)
Output via phrenic nerve

Ventral respiratory group:
Located in ventral medulla
Involved in expiration during exercise

Pneumatic centre:
Rostral portion of pons
Limit inspiration

Apneustic centre:
Caudal pons

Question 2

What are metabolic functions of lungs

Answer 2

Vascular reservoir

Act as filter

Defence against inhaled substances

Endocrine & metabolic functions

Drug metabolism

Question 3

Describe respiratory clearance

Answer 3

Particles trapped in mucous layer

Cilia beat, moving overlaying mucous towards pharynx where mucus is coughed up or swallowed