Respiratory system

Question 1

Structural definition

Answer 1

• upper respiratory system = nose, pharynx and associated structures
• lower respiratory system = larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs

Question 2

Functional definition

Answer 2

• conducting zone (conducts air to lungs) = nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and terminal bronchioles
• respiratory system (main site of gas exchange) = respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, alveoli

Question 3

Lungs location (3)

Answer 3

• paired organs, not the same size
• thoracic cavity (dominates)
• lie lateral to mediastinum

Question 4

Lungs shape, size and appearance (5)

Answer 4

• conical shape
• apex, base, lateral face, medial hilum
• left lung 10% smaller than right (cardiac notch)
• 6L in total
• fissures to create lobes and segments

Question 5

Lungs relations (5)

Answer 5

• inferior = diaphragm
• anterior = coastal cartilage’s
• posterior = ribs
• superior = thoracic inlet
• medial = mediastinum

Question 6

Lungs blood supply and drainage (5)

Answer 6

• rich dual blood supply
• right and left pulmonary arteries = take blood to offload carbon dioxide and take on oxygen
• pulmonary veins = return oxygenated blood to heart
• bronchial arteries = supply lung tissue with blood
• azygous and hemiazygos veins for venous return

Question 7

Lungs lymphatics (2)

Answer 7

• superficial plexus drains visceral pleura
• deep plexus drains bronchi

Question 8

Transitions of conducting zone bronchi (4)

Answer 8

• mucosa = pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with goblet cells > ciliated simple columnar epithelium > muscle and connective tissue lamina proper
• Submucosa = connective tissue
• Cartlidge = C sections and complete rings > incomplete rings > plates (reducing in size)
• Adventitia = connective tissue

Question 9

Respiratory bronchioles transitions (4)

Answer 9

• mucosa = simple squamous epithelium
• submucosa = connective tissue
• no Cartlidge - only smooth muscle
• adventitia = connective tissue

Question 10

Respiratory Lobule construction (6)

Answer 10

• encapsulated by connective tissue
• respiratory bronchioles
• alveolar ducts
• alveoli sacs
• individual alveoli
• surrounded by capillary beds

Question 11

Alveolus function and construction (3)

Answer 11

• Site of gas exchange = gas pressure differences cause diffusion of co2 and o2
• epithelial component and basement membrane

Question 11

Alveolus cell population (3)

Answer 11

• type 1 alveolar cells make up bulk = specialized squamous epithelial cells, fill with air on inhalation
• type 2 alveolar cells = produce surfactant liquid to increase surface tension and precent type 1 cells collapsing on exhalation
• alveolar macrophages = provide immune response