Pulmonary Anatomy Flashcards

1
Q

Where does the bifurcation of the trachea occur?

A

The bifurcation of the trachea occurs at the level of the sternal angle (T4/T5 vertebrae).

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2
Q

What is the function of the ribs?

A

Ribs curve forward and downward from their posterior attachment to protect the thoracic organs and assist in respiration.

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3
Q
  • True ribs = ?
  • False ribs = ?
A
  • True ribs are ribs 1-7, which attach directly to the sternum via costal cartilage.
  • False ribs are ribs 8-12; ribs 8-10 attach to the sternum via the cartilage of the rib above, while ribs 11-12 are floating ribs.
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4
Q

Which rib is least likely to fracture?

A

The 1st rib is least likely to fracture due to its protected location.

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5
Q

What is the clinical significance of rib fractures?

A

Rib fractures, especially in the lower ribs, can puncture the diaphragm or organs, and cause pain during breathing.

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6
Q

What is a chest tube and why is it used?

A

A chest tube is inserted above the ribs to drain air, blood, or fluid from the pleural space, helping the lungs expand.

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7
Q

What is…

  • pectus carinatum = ?
  • pectus excavatum = ?
A
  • Pectus carinatum is a congenital condition where the sternum protrudes forward.
  • Pectus excavatum is a congenital condition characterized by a sunken sternum and decreased anteroposterior diameter of the chest.
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8
Q

What is barrel chest and what condition is it commonly associated with?

A

Barrel chest is an increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest, commonly associated with emphysema/COPD.

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9
Q

What is the primary muscle of inspiration?

A

The diaphragm is the primary muscle of inspiration.

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10
Q

What are the two sides of the diaphragm?

A

The diaphragm has a right hemidiaphragm, which touches the liver, and a left hemidiaphragm, which is more prone to hernia.

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11
Q

.

A

.

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12
Q

What is the nerve supply to the diaphragm?

A

The diaphragm is innervated by the phrenic nerve, originating from C3, C4, and C5.

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13
Q

What happens to the diaphragm during inspiration?

A

During inspiration, the diaphragm contracts and flattens, pulling the central tendon down and forward, increasing thoracic volume and decreasing pressure.

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14
Q

What is Boyle’s Law in relation to respiration?

A

Boyle’s Law states that the pressure of a gas is inversely related to its volume, important for understanding the mechanics of breathing.

  • How does the position of the body affect diaphragm movement? = In standing, gravity assists diaphragm contraction; in supine, abdominal contents can limit mobility.
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15
Q

What is the role of the external intercostal muscles?

A

The external intercostal muscles assist in lifting the rib cage during inspiration, similar to a bucket handle movement.

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16
Q

What muscles are involved in forced expiration?

A

Forced expiration involves abdominal muscles and internal intercostals, especially during actions like coughing and laughing.

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17
Q

How many lobes?

  • right lung = ?
  • left lung = ?
A
  • Right lung has three lobes: upper, middle, and lower.
  • Left lung has two lobes: upper and lower.
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18
Q

What is the apex of the lung?

A

The apex of the lung is the uppermost portion, located just above the clavicle.

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19
Q

What is the role of the…

  • pulmonary artery = ?
  • pulmonary vein = ?
A
  • The pulmonary artery brings deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.
  • The pulmonary vein returns oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium.
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20
Q

What is lung parenchyma?

A
  • Lung parenchyma refers to the soft, spongy tissue of the lungs, responsible for gas exchange.
  • Stiffened lung parenchyma decreases lung compliance and causes scarring, leading to difficulty in breathing.
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21
Q

What is the hilus of the lung?

A

The hilus is the region where the bronchi, blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves enter and exit the lungs.

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22
Q

What is the function of the pleurae?

A

The pleurae are serous membranes that cover the lungs (visceral pleura) and line the chest wall (parietal pleura), with pleural fluid in between to reduce friction during breathing.

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23
Q

What is…

  • pleuritis = ?
  • pleural effusion = ?
A
  • Pleuritis, or pleurisy, is inflammation of the pleura, often causing a pleural rub sound during auscultation.
  • Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, often after surgery or in congestive heart failure.
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24
Q

What is a pneumothorax?

A

A pneumothorax is the presence of air in the pleural space, which can lead to lung collapse.

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25
Q

What is the difference between a hemothorax and a pneumothorax?

A

A hemothorax is the accumulation of blood in the pleural space, while a pneumothorax is the accumulation of air.

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26
Q

What is the innervation of the lungs?

A

The lungs are innervated by parasympathetic fibers from the vagus nerve, which cause bronchial constriction, and sympathetic nerves, which cause bronchial relaxation.

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27
Q

What are bronchodilators and their function?

A

Bronchodilators enhance sympathetic stimulation, relaxing bronchial smooth muscle and reducing secretion to ease breathing.

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28
Q

What are the major components of the lower respiratory tract?

A

The lower respiratory tract includes the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli, responsible for air conduction and gas exchange.

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29
Q

What is the trachea and where does it bifurcate?

A
  • The trachea is the airway that extends from the larynx to the carina, where it bifurcates into the right and left mainstem bronchi.
  • The carina is a hook-shaped structure at the end of the trachea, located at the level of the 4th to 5th thoracic vertebrae, where the trachea splits into the bronchi.
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30
Q

What is the difference between the right and left mainstem bronchi?

A

The right mainstem bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical, making it more prone to aspiration, while the left mainstem bronchus is narrower and longer.

31
Q

What are…

  • terminal bronchioles = ?
  • alveoli = ?
A
  • Terminal bronchioles are the last part of the conducting airway system, which do not participate in gas exchange.
  • Alveoli are the functional units of the lungs where gas exchange occurs.
32
Q

What are the two major types of cells in the alveoli?

A
  • Type I cells are squamous pneumocytes, which are flat and thin.
  • Type II cells are granular pneumocytes, which produce surfactant to reduce surface tension in the alveoli.
33
Q

What is surfactant, and what is its function in the lungs?

A

Surfactant is a lipoprotein produced by Type II alveolar cells that lowers surface tension at the end of expiration, preventing alveolar collapse.

34
Q

What are the pores of Kohn?

A

The pores of Kohn are small openings in the alveolar walls that allow for collateral ventilation between alveoli.

35
Q

What is the function of the bronchial circulation?

A

The bronchial circulation provides oxygenated blood to the lung tissue itself, separate from the pulmonary circulation.

36
Q

What is pulmonary fibrosis?

A

Pulmonary fibrosis is the thickening and scarring of lung tissue, leading to decreased lung compliance and difficulty in breathing.

37
Q

What are the effects of smoking on the respiratory system?

A

Smoking paralyzes ciliated cells in the respiratory tract, increasing the risk of respiratory infections due to impaired clearance of inhaled particles.

38
Q

What is the mucociliary escalator?

A

The mucociliary escalator is a mechanism in the respiratory tract where ciliated cells move mucus and trapped particles out of the lungs.

39
Q

What is the role of the nasal cavity in the respiratory system?

A

The nasal cavity is responsible for air conduction, filtration, humidification, and temperature control of inhaled air.

40
Q

What is the function of the pharynx in the respiratory system?

A

The pharynx serves as a passageway for air and food, and it connects the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx and esophagus.

41
Q

What is the role of the epiglottis?

A

The epiglottis closes off the trachea during swallowing to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway.

42
Q

What is the significance of the vocal cords in the larynx?

A

The vocal cords vibrate as air passes over them to produce sound, and they also help control airflow and pressure within the thoracic cavity.

43
Q

What is the conducting zone of the respiratory system?

A

The conducting zone includes the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles, responsible for moving air to the lungs.

44
Q

What is the respiratory zone of the lungs?

A

The respiratory zone includes the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli, where gas exchange occurs.

45
Q

What is the carina and its importance in the respiratory system?

A

The carina is a ridge at the base of the trachea where it divides into the right and left main bronchi, and it is a critical site for cough reflexes.

46
Q

What are bronchioles, and how do they differ from bronchi?

A

Bronchioles are smaller airways that branch from the bronchi, lacking cartilage and becoming part of the respiratory zone.

47
Q

What is the significance of the alveolar-capillary interface?

A

The alveolar-capillary interface is where gas exchange occurs between the alveoli and the blood in the pulmonary capillaries.

48
Q

What are the three types of alveolar channels, and what is their function?

A

The three types of alveolar channels are the pores of Kohn, channels of Lambert, and channels of Martin, all facilitating collateral ventilation in the lungs.

49
Q

What is pleuritis and what are its symptoms?

A

Pleuritis is inflammation of the pleura, often causing sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing.

50
Q

What is pulmonary edema, and what causes it?

A

Pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluid in the alveoli, often caused by heart failure, leading to impaired gas exchange.

51
Q

What is a pulmonary embolism?

A

A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots that travel from the legs.

52
Q

What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

A

COPD is a group of lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, characterized by obstructed airflow and difficulty breathing.

53
Q

What is asthma, and how does it affect the respiratory system?

A

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing.

54
Q

What is bronchitis?

A

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs, often causing cough and mucus production.

55
Q

What is emphysema?

A

Emphysema is a condition in which the alveoli are damaged, leading to reduced surface area for gas exchange and difficulty breathing.

56
Q

What is a pneumothorax, and how is it treated?

A

A pneumothorax is a collapsed lung due to air in the pleural space, treated with a chest tube to remove the air and allow the lung to re-expand.

57
Q

What is atelectasis?

A

Atelectasis is the collapse of part or all of a lung, leading to reduced gas exchange, often caused by blockage of the airways.

58
Q

What is cystic fibrosis?

A

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive tract, leading to respiratory and digestive issues.

59
Q

What is pneumonia, and how does it affect the lungs?

A

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus, leading to cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.

60
Q

What is interstitial lung disease?

A

Interstitial lung disease is a group of disorders that cause scarring of lung tissue, leading to stiffness and reduced lung function.

61
Q

What is bronchiectasis?

A

Bronchiectasis is the permanent enlargement of parts of the airways of the lung, leading to chronic infection and impaired mucus clearance.

62
Q

What is sarcoidosis?

A

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs, especially the lungs and lymph glands, leading to granulomas.

63
Q

What is pulmonary hypertension?

A

Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, which can lead to heart failure if untreated.

64
Q

What is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?

A

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, progressive lung disease with no known cause, leading to scarring of the lungs and difficulty breathing.

65
Q

What is asbestosis?

A

Asbestosis is a lung disease resulting from the inhalation of asbestos fibers, leading to scarring of lung tissue.

66
Q

What is silicosis?

A

Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, leading to inflammation and scarring of the lungs.

67
Q

What is coal worker’s pneumoconiosis (black lung disease)?

A

Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis is a lung disease caused by long-term inhalation of coal dust, leading to inflammation, fibrosis, and necrosis.

68
Q

What is sleep apnea?

A

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep.

69
Q

What is respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)?

A

RDS is a condition often seen in premature infants due to insufficient surfactant, leading to collapsed alveoli and difficulty breathing.

70
Q

What is pulmonary tuberculosis (TB)?

A

Pulmonary tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs, causing coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

71
Q

What is bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)?

A

BPD is a chronic lung disorder that primarily affects premature infants who have been treated with oxygen therapy, leading to long-term breathing problems.

72
Q

What is hypersensitivity pneumonitis?

A

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an inflammatory syndrome of the lung caused by repeated inhalation of organic dusts, leading to cough, fever, and shortness of breath.

73
Q

What is pulmonary alveolar proteinosis?

A

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a rare lung disorder characterized by the accumulation of surfactant in the alveoli, leading to breathing difficulties.