Pulmonary Anatomy

Question 1

What is the purpose of the epiglottis?

Answer 1

Protects the larynx from food by closing over it during swallowing

Question 2

What does the larynx contain which relates to an effective cough?

Answer 2

Contains vocal chords (glottic)

Question 3

Is the trachea situated posteriorly or anteriorly to the oesophagus?

Answer 3

Anteriorly

Question 4

Why is there cartilage in the trachea?

Answer 4

To prevent tracheal collapse during pressure changes
- C-shaped rings supporting the anterior and lateral aspects, not posteriorly to allow oesophagus to expand anteriorly as food is swallowed

Question 5

Parietal pleura

Answer 5

Lines the inner surface of the thoracic wall and superior surface of the diagram

Question 6

Visceral pleura

Answer 6

Covers the outer surface of the lungs and lines the fissures

Question 7

Pleural membrane

Answer 7

Double-layered serous sacs that cover the lungs

Question 8

Pleural cavity

Answer 8

Space between the 2 layers (contains pleural fluid)

Question 9

Pleural fluid

Answer 9

• Acts as a lubricant allowing layers to glide over each other during inspiration and expiration
• Increases surface tension ‘locks’ 2 pleural layers together

Question 10

Where does the ciliated epithelium line?

Answer 10

• Nasopharynx
• Pharynx
• Trachea
• Bronchi
• Bronchioles

Question 11

What are the (3) sub-divisions of the pharynx?

Answer 11

• Nasopharynx
• Oropharynx
• Laryngopharynx

Question 12

What does the larynx contain?

Answer 12

Vocal cords

Question 13

What is the glottic (vocal cord) function essential for?

Answer 13

An effective cough

Question 14

Where does the trachea birfucate?

Answer 14

The carina (into the R&L main (primary) bronchi)

Question 15

What angle does the right main bronchus branch off at?

Answer 15

20-30°

Question 16

What angle does the left main bronchus branch off at?

Answer 16

45-55°

Question 17

Describe the secondary/lobar bronchi.

Answer 17

• Main bronchus divides into secondary bronchi
• Right = 3 and Left = 2
• Supply each lobe of the lungs

Question 18

Describe the tertiary/segmental bronchi.

Answer 18

• Secondary bronchi divide into tertiary bronchi
• Right = 10 and Left = 9
• Supply each segment of the lung
• Segments are subdivisions of the lobes of the lung

Question 19

What impact does the secretion of surfactant by cells in the alveoli have?

Answer 19

Prevent surface tension effects

Question 20

What lobes are the lungs divided into?

Answer 20

Right lung = 3:
- Upper / superior
- Middle
- Lower / inferior

Left lung = 2:
- Upper / superior
- Lower / inferior
(Smaller due to position of heart)

Question 21

What are the lobes of the lungs divided by?

Answer 21

Fissures
- Right = oblique + horizontal
- Left = oblique

Question 22

What is the parietal pleura?

Answer 22

Lines the inner surface of the thoracic wall and superior surface of the diaphragm

Question 23

What is the visceral pleura?

Answer 23

Covers the outer surface of the lungs and lines the fissures

Question 24

What is the purpose of the pleural fluid?

Answer 24

• Acts as a lubricant allowing the layers to glide over each other during inspiration and expiration
• Increases surface tension ‘locks’ 2 pleural layers together

Question 25

What are the origins of the diaphragm?

Answer 25

Costal part: lower margin of costal arch (inner surface ribs 7-12) Lumbar part: - Medial: L1-L3 vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs (2nd and 3rd), anterior longitudinal ligament - Lateral: arcuate ligaments (median, medial and lateral) Sternal part: posterior surface of xiphoid process

Question 26

Where is the insertion of the diaphragm?

Answer 26

Central tendon

Question 27

What is the innervation of the diaphragm?

Answer 27

Phrenic nerve (C3, C4, C5)

Question 28

Where does ciliated epithelium line?

Answer 28

- Nasopharynx - Pharynx - Trachea - Bronchi - Bronchioles

Question 29

What does ciliated epithelium contain?

Answer 29

- Goblet cells (secrete mucus) - Cilia (microscopic hair like structures capable of rhythmic motion 1 of the 3 components of the MTS)

Question 30

What is the name of the membrane that covers the surface of the lungs?

Answer 30

Visceral pleura

Question 31

Why is the sneeze reflex easily triggered?

Answer 31

There's a large number of sensory nerve endings in the nose

Question 32

Describe the role of the nasal conchae in the respiratory system.

Answer 32

Increase turbulence through the nasal cavity (slows airflow to allow for warming, humidification and filtering)