Respiratory anatomy Flashcards
Alveoli: recall the cellular layers separating alveolar air from blood, and explain how alveoli and airways resist collapse Anatomy of the respiratory tract: recall the structures of the respiratory tract and explain their respiratory and protective functions, including alveoli, bronchioles, trachea, larynx, pharynx and nasal cavities Anatomy of the thorax: recall the structures of the thorax and explain their respiratory function, including chest wall, diaphragm, pleura and lungs (in inspirat
What is the anatomy of the nasal cavity?
Nasal septum separates two halves, and largely made of cartilage, but lined by olfactory mucosa - very sensitive, with trigeminal nerve innervation. Olfactory bulb and tract present at top of cavity, with olfactory mucosa to allow sense of smell (olfactory nerves arise from the bulb).
Describe the lining of the nasal cavities?
Have a triangular cross-section. Fairly smooth medial and inferior walls, but an elaborate lateral wall in which the respiratory epithelium covers three scroll-like plates of bones called the conchae.
What is the purpose of the conchae?
Increase SA of nasal mucosa to condition air before reaching the lungs (bone protrusions covered in respiratory epithelium – inferior concha lower in cavity with middle concha near the top).
What is the purpose of the nasal cavity? (x4 functions)
- The inspired air passes through these warm, moist plates, becoming warmed and humidified on the way and so protecting the lower parts of the respiratory tract from cold shock and drying. 2. The nasal lining becomes cooled in inspiration. During expiration, the nasal lining cools the expired air. 3. To conserve water, during expiration, the nasal cavity retrieves water by condensation. 4. The nasal mucus and hairs help exclude a range of airborne particles.
What is a consequence of the nasal cavity’s role of filtering air at conserving heat and water? Especially in exercise?
Narrow passages of the nasal cavity have a high resistance to airflow. This is particularly apparent through exercise, where the mouth is used instead for inspiration and expiration – hence, there is increased loss of water and exposure to airborne particles.
What are the paranasal air sinuses?
A group of air-filled spaces around the nasal cavity. Found as pockets in the lateral walls of the nasal cavity.
What is the function of the paranasal air sinuses? (x3 possible functions)
Unknown, but ideas include as ‘crumple zones’ in facial trauma, resonators for the voice and insulating sensitive structures such as dental roots and eyes from rapid temperature fluctuations in the nasal cavities.
What is the anatomy of the paranasal air sinuses?
Frontal sinus present above the eyes (frontal bone). Sphenoid sinus found in sphenoid bone below pituitary gland. Ethmoid air cells (sinuses) are found high in nasal cavity on each side of the septum. Maxillae have opening to sinus above upper teeth – opening high inside maxillary sinus, so any infection/mucous cannot leave via the opening. And, of course, there are the three conchae.
What is the anatomy of the pharynx – what three sections is it split into?
Nasopharynx (nasal cavity to end of soft plate). Oropharynx (soft plate to epiglottis). Laryngopharynx (epiglottis to opening of the airway).
What is the soft plate?
The fleshy, flexible part towards the back of the roof of the mouth.
How are the nasal cavities and pharynx kept open?
Not by cartilage like the rest of the respiratory anatomy, but by adjacent bones.
What, out of the trachea and oesophagus, is the larynx and pharynx linked to respectively?
Larynx: trachea. Pharynx: oesophagus.
What is the anatomical position of the larynx?
Above the thyroid glands.
What are the cartilages of the larynx?
I don’t think I need to remember this in such detail – look at Sofia points after all. All cartilage hangs from the hypoid bone. Thyroid cartilage hangs from the hypoid bone, with inferior cricoid cartilage joined by cricothyroid ligaments. Epiglottis attached to hypoid bone.
What do the vocal folds of the larynx look like during inspiration and phonation?
Look at photo. Remember other regional anatomy inc. Epiglottis. They vibrate to generate sound.
What is the epiglottis?
A flap in the throat that keeps food from entering the trachea and lungs.
What is phonation?
The process by which vocal chords produce sounds through vibration.
What does a cross-section of the trachea look like?
Incomplete cartilage ring with opening where the oesophageal (and trachealis) muscle is – allows passage of food through the oesophagus.
How is the tracheobronchial tree anatomy labelled?
Trachea divides at carina angle of Louis to right and left primary bronchi (outside the lungs). In the lungs, they branch to form lobular, secondary bronchi. Don’t worry about annular ligaments.
How are the bronchi held open?
By cartilage horseshoes and plates.
What are the two main areas of the chest?
Mediastinum and the lungs.
What is the basic anatomy of the lungs?
[Refer to Anatomy topic in LSS].
What is the top part of each lung called?
The apex – it projects 2-3cm above the clavicle in an adult and really lies in the root of the neck.
What is the purpose of the pleural cavities of the lungs?
Each lung and the inside of the pleural cavities are covered by a thin, shiny, moist layer of tissue called the pleura, which allows each lung to slide smoothly within its pleural cavity during breathing.
