physiology & anatomy

Question 1

Describe the function of the nasal cavity the respiratory system.

Answer 1

nasal cavity filters, warms, and humidifies air as it enters the respiratory system.

Question 2

What is the role of the larynx in the respiratory system?

Answer 2

The larynx, also known as the voice box, contains the vocal cords and plays a crucial role in speech and preventing food from entering the trachea.

Question 3

Define the trachea and its function in the respiratory system.

Answer 3

The trachea, or windpipe, is a flexible tube composed of cartilage rings that serves as a conduit for air to pass into the lungs.

Question 4

How do bronchioles differ from bronchi in the respiratory system?

Answer 4

Bronchioles are smaller air passages that lack cartilage in their walls and arise from the division of bronchi.

Question 5

Describe the role of alveoli in the respiratory system.

Answer 5

Alveoli are tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs, with oxygen taken up by the blood and carbon dioxide released.

Question 6

Describe the pleura and its function in relation to the lungs.

Answer 6

The pleura is a double-layered serous membrane that encloses the lungs. The visceral pleura covers the lung surface, while the parietal pleura lines the chest cavity. The space between these layers is the pleural cavity, filled with a small amount of fluid to reduce friction during breathing.

Question 7

What are the lobes of the lungs and how are they divided?

Answer 7

Each lung is divided into lobes—three in the right lung (upper, middle, and lower lobes) and two in the left lung (upper and lower lobes). The lobes are further subdivided into smaller units called lobules.

Question 8

Define the bronchial tree and its function in the lungs.

Answer 8

The bronchial tree is the network of bronchi and bronchioles within the lungs. This extensive branching system ensures that air reaches every part of the lung.

Question 9

How are the lungs vascularized and what is the role of pulmonary arteries and veins?

Answer 9

The lungs are highly vascularized organs, with a rich network of blood vessels. Pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs, where oxygen is picked up, and pulmonary veins return oxygenated blood to the heart for distribution throughout the body.

Question 10

Describe the function of the pharynx in the respiratory system.

Answer 10

The pharynx serves as a common pathway for both air and food in the respiratory system.

Question 11

Do respiratory bronchioles mark the transition from conducting to respiratory zones in the respiratory system?

Answer 11

Yes, respiratory bronchioles are the smallest airways that have alveoli budding from their walls, marking the transition from conducting to respiratory zones.

Question 12

Describe Type I alveolar cells.

Answer 12

Type I alveolar cells are extremely thin and flat cells that form the structure of the alveolar wall and are essential for gas exchange, allowing oxygen to pass from the alveoli into the bloodstream and facilitating the removal of carbon dioxide from the blood into the alveoli.

Question 13

What is the function of Type II alveolar cells?

Answer 13

Type II alveolar cells secrete pulmonary surfactant, which reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse during exhalation. They also contribute to the regeneration of Type I cells and help maintain the integrity of the alveolar epithelium.

Question 14

Describe the primary function of the respiratory system.

Answer 14

The primary function of the respiratory system is the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and the external environment.

Question 15

How does the respiratory system work in conjunction with the cardiovascular system to transport oxygen?

Answer 15

Oxygen binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells and is carried to cells throughout the body via the bloodstream.

Question 17

What are the functions of the upper respiratory tract in relation to inhaled air?

Answer 17

The upper respiratory tract filters air to remove particles, humidifies it to add moisture, and warms it to body temperature as air passes through the nasal cavity and pharynx.

Question 17

Describe the role of the larynx in the respiratory system.

Answer 17

The larynx, or voice box, is essential for vocalization. It contains the vocal cords, and the controlled movement of these cords allows for the production of speech and other vocal sounds.

Question 18

What is the function of mucous membranes and cilia in the respiratory system?

Answer 18

They trap and remove particles, microbes, and irritants from the airways, serving as a defense mechanism.

Question 19

How does the respiratory system influence blood pressure?

Answer 19

It influences blood pressure by adjusting oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, which affect blood vessel diameter.

Question 20

Define the role of olfactory receptors in the respiratory system.

Answer 20

The olfactory receptors in the nasal cavity are responsible for the sense of smell, contributing to the detection and interpretation of odors.

Question 21

Describe the purpose of pulmonary circulation.

Answer 21

To transport deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation and then return oxygenated blood back to the heart.

Question 22

Define systemic circulation.

Answer 22

The circulation that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body’s tissues and organs, delivering oxygen and nutrients.

Question 23

Describe the location of alveoli in the lungs.

Answer 23

The alveoli are tiny, air-filled sacs located at the end of the bronchioles in the lungs.

Question 24

What is the function of alveoli in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems?

Answer 24

Alveoli are the primary sites of gas exchange between the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Question 25

How does oxygen move between the alveoli and capillaries during gas exchange?

Answer 25

Oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses across the thin walls of the alveoli into the surrounding capillaries.

Question 26

How does carbon dioxide move during gas exchange in the alveoli?

Answer 26

Carbon dioxide diffuses from the capillaries into the alveoli to be expelled during exhalation.

Question 27

Define gas exchange in the context of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Answer 27

Gas exchange refers to the process of oxygen and carbon dioxide moving between the alveoli and capillaries in the lungs, facilitating the exchange of gases between the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Question 28

Describe how airway diameter affects resistance to airflow in the respiratory system.

Answer 28

Airway diameter plays a crucial role in regulating airflow within the respiratory system. Larger airways like the nasal cavities and trachea have relatively low resistance due to structural support, while smaller airways like the bronchioles experience increased resistance as they lack cartilaginous support.

Question 29

Do smooth muscle tone influence resistance to airflow in the respiratory system?

Answer 29

Yes, smooth muscle tone influences resistance to airflow. Contraction of the smooth muscle surrounding the bronchi and bronchioles narrows the airways, increasing resistance.

Question 29

Define the role of cartilaginous rings in the trachea in relation to resistance to airflow.

Answer 29

Cartilaginous rings in the trachea provide structural support and prevent collapse, contributing to relatively low resistance in the larger airways.

Question 30

How does the absence of cartilaginous support in the bronchioles affect resistance to airflow?

Answer 30

The absence of cartilaginous support in the bronchioles leads to increased resistance, as the smooth muscle in the bronchioles allows for dynamic changes in diameter, influencing resistance.

Question 30

How does branching of airways affect surface area and resistance?

Answer 30

As the airways branch into smaller bronchi and bronchioles, the total cross-sectional area increases, reducing airflow velocity and minimizing resistance in the smaller airways.

Question 30

Define the influence of sympathetic and parasympathetic stimulation on airway diameter.

Answer 30

Sympathetic stimulation tends to dilate the airways, while parasympathetic stimulation tends to constrict them.

Question 31

Describe Tidal Volume (TV)

Answer 31

Tidal volume is the volume of air inspired or expired during normal, quiet breathing in one respiratory cycle.

Question 32

Define Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)

Answer 32

Inspiratory reserve volume is the maximum volume of air that can be forcibly inhaled after a normal tidal inspiration.

Question 33

How is Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) measured?

Answer 33

ERV is measured in milliliters (mL) or liters (L).

Question 34

What is Residual Volume (RV)?

Answer 34

Residual volume is the volume of air that remains in the lungs after maximal expiration. It is the air that cannot be voluntarily expelled from the lungs.

Question 35

Describe vital capacity.

Answer 35

Vital capacity is the sum of tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, and expiratory reserve volume, representing the maximum volume of air a person can exhale after a maximum inhalation.

Question 36

Define total lung capacity (TLC).

Answer 36

Total lung capacity is the maximum volume of air the lungs can hold, including both the inspiratory and expiratory reserve volumes as well as residual volume.

Question 37

How is functional residual capacity (FRC) calculated?

Answer 37

Functional residual capacity is calculated by adding expiratory reserve volume (ERV) and residual volume (RV). It represents the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a normal tidal expiration.

Question 38

Define functional residual capacity (FRC).

Answer 38

Functional residual capacity is the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a normal tidal expiration, representing the equilibrium point where the outward elastic recoil of the lungs is balanced by the inward elastic recoil of the chest wall.

Question 39

Describe the visceral pleura.

Answer 39

The inner of pleura that directly adheres to and covers the surfaces of the lungs, following the contours of the lung tissue.

Question 40

Define parietal pleura.

Answer 40

The outer layer of pleura that lines the inner surface of the thoracic cavity, including the chest wall, diaphragm, and mediastinum.

Question 41

What is the function of pleural fluid?

Answer 41

Pleural fluid serves to reduce friction between the pleural layers during respiratory movements, allowing them to glide smoothly over each other during breathing.

Question 42

Describe the pressure within the pleural cavity.

Answer 42

The pressure within the pleural cavity is typically negative compared to atmospheric pressure.

Question 43

Describe the location and significance of the costodiaphragmatic recess in the pleural cavity.

Answer 43

The costodiaphragmatic recess is located inferiorly where the costal pleura meets the diaphragmatic pleura. It allows for increased lung expansion during deep inhalation.

Question 44

Define the innervation of the pleura and its role.

Answer 44

The pleura is innervated by sensory nerves, including intercostal and phrenic nerves, which transmit signals related to pain and stretch sensations.

Question 45

Describe the blood supply to the pleura.

Answer 45

The blood supply to the pleura comes from branches of the intercostal and internal thoracic arteries.