Physiology of the airway

Question 1

What does the epiglottis do?

Answer 1

When we swallow, a series of muscles pulls it down so that the food slides over the airway, to the oesophagus at the back.
Epiglottis blocks the trachea so that food doesn’t go down the wrong hole

Question 2

What is that reflex called?

Answer 2

Pharyngeal dilator reflex

Question 3

Why is this important?

Answer 3

Sleep disordered breathing - snoring and apnoea

Question 4

What epithelium is found in the airway?

Answer 4

Ciliated epithelium

Nose&pharynx (Pseudostratified)
Trachea&Bronchi (Columnar)
Bronchioles (Cuboidal)

Question 5

What is composed in the cilia to make it move?

Answer 5

Pericilliary layer - water with salt

so cilia moves because it is in water.

Question 6

What are the functions of the airway lining?

Answer 6

1) Humidification - the air that we breath is too cold, so it is humidified to match our body temperature.
2) Airway defence - coughing

Question 7

Which protein is abnormal in cystic fibrosis?

Answer 7

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator protein (CFTR) - chloride channel on the surface of epithelial cells whose job it is to control the salt in the airway lining fluid, therefore allowing it to function.

Question 8

What is mucous produced by?

Answer 8

Goblet cells

Question 9

Where are small particles inhaled deposited?

Answer 9

Bronchioles

Question 10

Where are large particles that are inhaled deposited?

Answer 10

Pharynx (it is captured by mucous)

Question 11

What are the non-immunlogical defences?

Answer 11

1) Physical barrier and removal

2) Chemical inactivation (chemicals kill them off)