Respiratory System Flashcards
What does the respiratory system compromise?
- The respiratory tract
- The lungs
- Thoracic wall
What does the URT consist of?
Nose
Mouth
Larynx
Pharynx
What does the LRT consist of?
Trachea
Bronchial Tree
What is ventilation?
Ventilation is the movement of air in and out of the lungs, maintaining good levels of oxygen whilst removing waste gases such as co2.
What is external respiration?
The exchange of gases between the lungs and the blood.
What is internal respiration?
The exchange of gases between the blood and tissues.
Where is the conducting zone found?
The Upper Respiratory Tract.
What is the role of the conducting zone?
The conducting zone cleans and humidifies the tract. It also protects and warms the URT. This is carried out through respiratory mucosa, which consists of respiratory epithelium and contains goblet cells which secrete mucus.
Name some diseases which may affect the URT
Rhinitis - Inflammation of nasal cavities
Sinitus - Inflammation of paranasal sinuses
Name some diseases which may affect the LRT
Pneumonia - Infection of the bronchial tree
Bronchitis - Inflammation of LRT lining
Cystic Fibrosis - Excess mucus production; genetic disorder
Asthma - Non-infectious, allergic reaction
Describe the Pharynx
The Pharynx is a muscular tube going from the skull to the oesophagus in the neck. It is shared by the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. It is divided into 3 regions.
Describe the Larynx
The Larynx is supported by cartilage which articulates at the synovial joins. The Larynx works to protect the LRT. During swallowing, the laryngeal inlet and vocal cords prevent food from causing blockages in the LRT. Mucosal lining is covered by the respiratory epethelium, which excuses the vocal folds.
Describe the Lungs
The Lungs are contained within the thoracic cavity. The right lung has 3 lobes, while the left lung has 2 lobes. The respiratory zone is where gaseous exchange between the lungs and cardiovascular system occurs.
