Respiratory Physiology Lecture 1.1 Introduction Flashcards
What is Respiratory Physiology?
Is the study of how oxygen is brought into the lungs and delivered to the tissue and how carbon dioxide is removed
Functions of the Respiratory System
- Provides oxygen (O2) and eliminates carbon dioxide (CO2)
- (Homeostatic regulation of blood gases)
- Protects against microbial infection (Filtering action)
- Regulates blood pH (In coordination with the kidneys)
- Contributes to phonation
- Contributes to olfaction
- Is a reservoir for blood
Structures that comprise the respiratory system
- Upper airways
- trachea
- lungs
- Muscles of respiration
- Rib cage & pleura
- Part of the CNS that regulates respiration
structures of the upper airways
- Nasal & oral cavities
- Pharynx
- Larynx (Vocal cords)
structures of the lungs
- Bronchi → Bronchioles → Alveoli
- Smooth muscles & connective tissue
Name the structure
Nasal cavity structures
- Superior nasal concha
- Middle nasal concha
- Inferior nasal concha
- Vestibule
parts of the pharynx
- nasopharynx
- oropharynx
- laryngopharynx
Parts of the larynx
- epiglottis
- thyroid cartilage
- cricoid cartilage
Name the upper airway structures
What is the structure of the trachea & primary bronchi?
Structure that is semi-cartilegous
- C-shaped cartilage (anteriorly)
- Smooth muscle (posteriorly)
What is the purpose of the cartilage and smooth muscle arrangement in the trachea and primary bronchii?
provides protection for the bronchii and allows for elasticity
What is the structure of bronchii?
plates of cartilage & smooth muscle
What is the structure of bronchioles?
smooth muscle only (no cartilage)
What is the gateway to the respiratory environment?
upper airways
