Respiratory Anatomy Flashcards
Describe the function of the nose.
Air enters through the nose.
Cilia and mucus trap particles.
Describe the function of the epiglottis.
A small flap of tissue that folds over the trachea and prevents food from entering it when you swallow.
Describe the function of the trachea.
From the pharynx (throat), air moves through the trachea to the lungs.
It is made up of stiff rings of cartilage for support and protection.
Describe the function of the larynx.
The voice box that contains vocal cords that vibrate to produce sounds.
How is the respiratory system divided?
Upper - mouth, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx.
Lower - trachea, bronchi, lungs.
Enclosed in the thorax.
Bounded by the ribs, spine and diaphragm.
Describe the structures of the left lung.
A superior and inferior lobe.
Has an oblique fissure.
Describe the structure of the right lung.
A superior, middle and inferior lobe.
Has an oblique and a horizontal fissure.
Describe the branching of airways.
The trachea branches into two bronchi.
Each bronchus branches 22 more times.
Bronchioles have no cartilage. The shape is maintained by physical forces in the thorax.
Why are the width and angle of the right main bronchi clinically important?
Larger and more vertical.
Aspirated foreign bodies commonly lodge here.
What structures make up the conducting zone?
Trachea, bronchi and bronchioles.
Air in this zone sits in ‘dead space’.
Most resistance to airflow occurs in the trachea and bronchi, due to having less of them.
How do contraction and relaxation affect the bronchi?
Conduction - decreases diameter, increases resistance.
Relaxation - increases diameter, decreases resistance.
What are the two types of alveolar cells?
Type I - squamous and thin for gas exchange.
Type II - granular and cuboidal; secretes pulmonary surfactant.
How does gas exchange occur at the alveoli?
Large surface area and a very thin surface.
What is anatomical dead space?
Air that does not participate in gas exchange.
The upper airways have thick walls that only conduct air to and from the alveoli.
What does airway resistance determine?
The amount of air that flows into the lungs at any given pressure difference between the atmosphere and the alveoli.
This is mainly determined by airway radii.
