Parts of the Respiratory System Flashcards
What is the nasal cavity surrounded by?
Paranasal sinuses
What bones are the paranasal sinuses located near? (4)
- Frontal
- Sphenoidal
- Ethmoidal
- Maxillary bone
State the function of the olfactor receptors.
Sense of smell
Where are the olfactor receptors located?
In the mucosa, superior part of the nasal cavity (just beneath the ethmoid bone)
What is the common name for the thyroid cartilage?
Adam’s apple
What is the largest hyaline cartilage?
Thyroid cartilage
State the main function of the epiglottis.
Protects the superior opening of the larynx
How do the vocal cords allow us to speak?
They vibrate with expelled air
What is the common name for the pharynx?
Throat
What is the common name for the larynx?
Voice box
What is the common name for the trachea?
Windpipe
How far does air travel down the trachea?
To the level of the 5th thoracic vertebra → approximately mid-chest
Why is an obstruction in the trachea life-threatening?
The trachea is the only way air can enter the lungs
How is the right main bronchus different from the left bronchus? (3)
- Wider
- Shorter
- Straighter
How much of the thoracic cavity do the lungs occupy?
The entire thoracic cavity except for the mediastinum (most central area)
State the difference between the apex and base of the lungs. (2)
- Apex = narrow, superior portion of the lungs
2. Base = broad area inferior of each lung resting on the diaphragm
How many lobes does each side of the lungs have? (2)
- Left = 2 lobes
2. Right = 3 lobes
What are the walls of the thoracic cavity lined with?
Parietal pleura
State the purpose of the respiratory zone and list the 4 main parts that it is composed of. (5)
- Site of gas exchange
- Respiratory bronchioles
- Alveolar ducts
- Alveolar sacs
- Alveoli
