Respiratory System Flashcards

1
Q

What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

A

To supply the body with oxygen and expel carbon dioxide.

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2
Q

Name three major organs of the respiratory system.

A

Nose, pharynx, larynx

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3
Q

Describe the two ways the respiratory system can be divided.

A

By function: Conducting and respiratory zones.

By structure: Upper and lower tracts

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4
Q

What is the main difference between the conducting zone and the respiratory zone?

A

The conducting zone moves air
The respiratory zone is responsible for gas exchange.

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5
Q

List the structures included in the conducting zone.

A

Nostrils to major bronchioles

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6
Q

Which structures make up the respiratory zone?

A

Alveoli and other gas-exchange regions

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7
Q

Which organs are part of the upper respiratory tract? (3)

A

Nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx

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8
Q

What structures are found in the lower respiratory tract?

A

Larynx, trachea, bronchi, and alveoli

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9
Q

Besides breathing, name three functions of the nose.

A

Warms, cleans, and humidifies inhaled air; detects odors; serves as a resonating chamber for the voice.

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10
Q

What are the two main parts of the nose?

A

External nose and nasal cavity

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11
Q

What is the name for the anterior openings of the nose?

A

Nostrils or nares

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12
Q

What structure separates the nostrils?

A

Nasal septum

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13
Q

Identify the three bones that contribute to the framework of the external nose.

A

Nasal bones, maxillary bones, and frontal bones

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14
Q

Apart from bone, what other tissue type forms the framework of the external nose?

A

Hyaline cartilage

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15
Q

Describe the shape and location of the nasal cavity.

A

Elongated spaces within bone, extending from the nostrils to the choanae

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16
Q

What are choanae?

A

Posterior nasal apertures (bony ridges) that open into the nasopharynx

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17
Q

What structure divides the two nasal cavities?

A

Nasal septum

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18
Q

List the four borders of the nasal cavity.

A

Floor, roof, medial wall, and lateral wall

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19
Q

Describe the appearance of the lateral wall of the nasal cavity.

A

It’s not smooth, and features bony projections called conchae (turbinates)

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20
Q

What are conchae (turbinates)?

A

Folds of bony tissue projecting from the lateral wall of the nasal cavity.

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21
Q

Name the three conchae found in the nasal cavity.

A

Superior concha, middle concha, and inferior concha

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22
Q

Which bone forms the superior and middle conchae?

A

Ethmoid bone

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23
Q

The inferior concha is unique because it is:

A

Its own bone

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24
Q

List the four air channels created by the conchae in the nasal cavity.

A

Inferior nasal meatus, middle nasal meatus, superior nasal meatus, and spheno-ethmoidal recess

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25
Q

What is the difference between a concha and a meatus?

A

A concha is a bony shelf, while a meatus is the space/air channel below the concha.

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26
Q

Describe the composition of the nasal septum.

A

Cartilage and bone

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27
Q

Name the bones that contribute to the nasal septum.

A

Septal cartilage, vomer, ethmoid bone, nasal bones, frontal bone, maxillary bones, palatine bones, and sphenoid bone.

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28
Q

List the three regions of the nasal cavity.

A

Nasal vestibule, respiratory region, and olfactory region

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29
Q

Describe the location and function of the nasal vestibule.

A

Just internal to the naris; contains hair follicles that heat up inhaled air

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30
Q

What is the main characteristic and function of the respiratory region of the nasal cavity?

A

Largest part lined with respiratory epithelium that secretes mucus

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31
Q

What type of epithelium lines the olfactory region and what is its function?

A

Olfactory epithelium; responsible for the sense of smell

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32
Q

How many paranasal sinuses are there and what are their names?

A

Four; frontal sinus (x2), maxillary sinus (x2), sphenoidal sinus (x1), and ethmoidal sinus (multiple air cells)

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33
Q

State three functions of the paranasal sinuses.

A

Humidify air, decrease the weight of the skull, and contribute to voice resonance

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34
Q

Into which spaces within the nasal cavity do the paranasal sinuses drain?

A

Spheno-ethmoidal recess, superior meatus, middle meatus, and inferior meatus

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35
Q

Which sinus drains into the spheno-ethmoidal recess?

A

Sphenoid sinus

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36
Q

Where does the frontal sinus drain?

A

Middle meatus

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37
Q

What is the drainage site for the maxillary sinus?

A

Middle meatus

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38
Q

Which sinuses drain into the middle nasal meatus?

A

Frontal sinus
Anterior ethmoidal sinus
Middle ethmoidal sinus
Maxillary sinus

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39
Q

Where do the anterior and posterior ethmoidal sinuses drain?

A

Anterior ethmoidal sinus drains into the middle meatus, while the posterior ethmoidal sinus drains into the superior meatus

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40
Q

Do any paranasal sinuses drain into the inferior meatus?

A

No, but the nasolacrimal duct from the eye opens here.

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41
Q

Describe the shape and location of the pharynx.

A

Funnel-shaped muscular tube extending from the posterior aspect of the nasal cavities

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42
Q

Which structure is continuous with the pharynx inferiorly?

A

Oesophagus

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43
Q

List the three divisions of the pharynx.

A

Nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx

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44
Q

What is another name for the nasopharynx?

A

Nasal pharynx

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45
Q

Where is the nasopharynx located?

A

Above the soft palate and behind the nasal cavities

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46
Q

What is the name of the structure that forms the roof of the nasopharynx?

A

Pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids)

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47
Q

Where does the auditory (eustachian) tube open?

A

Lateral wall of the nasopharynx

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48
Q

What is the torus tubarius?

A

A unique ridge above the opening of the auditory tube in the nasopharynx.

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49
Q

What is another name for the oropharynx?

A

Oral pharynx

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50
Q

Describe the location of the oropharynx.

A

Behind the oral cavity

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51
Q

Which tonsils are found in the oropharynx?

A

Palatine and lingual tonsils

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52
Q

What is another name for the laryngopharynx?

A

Laryngeal pharynx

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53
Q

Where is the laryngopharynx located?

A

Behind the opening of the larynx and below the epiglottis

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54
Q

What structures form the lateral wall of the laryngopharynx?

A

Thyroid cartilage and thyrohyoid membrane

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55
Q

Name six muscles of the pharynx.

A

Superior constrictor, middle constrictor, inferior constrictor, stylopharyngeus, salpingopharyngeus, and palatopharyngeus

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56
Q

Which muscle is found within the palatopharyngeal fold?

A

Palatopharyngeus

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57
Q

What is the larynx responsible for?

A

Voice production

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58
Q

Briefly describe the structure of the larynx.

A

Complex organ connected by membranes and ligaments; contains vocal folds

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59
Q

Where is the larynx located? In relation to which vertebral level

A

Anterior part of the neck, in relation to vertebral levels C3-C6

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60
Q

What structures does the larynx connect?

A

Inferior part of the pharynx with the trachea

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61
Q

How many cartilages make up the larynx?

A

Nine

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62
Q

List the three single/unpaired cartilages of the larynx.

A

Thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, and epiglottis

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63
Q

Name the three paired cartilages of the larynx.

A

Arytenoid cartilages, corniculate cartilages, and cuneiform cartilages

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64
Q

Where are the paired cartilages found in the larynx?

A

On the posterior surface

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65
Q

What is the function of ligaments in the larynx?

A

Bind/hold the cartilages together

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66
Q

What are the two types of ligaments in the larynx?

A

Intrinsic ligaments and extrinsic ligaments

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67
Q

What is the function of extrinsic ligaments of the larynx?

A

Connect the larynx to other organs

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68
Q

List the four extrinsic ligaments of the larynx.

A

Thyrohyoid membrane, hyo-epiglottic ligament, crico-tracheal ligament, and thyro-epiglottic ligament

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69
Q

What does the thyrohyoid membrane connect?

A

Thyroid cartilage to hyoid bone

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70
Q

Which structures are connected by the hyo-epiglottic ligament?

A

Epiglottis to hyoid bone

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71
Q

The crico-tracheal ligament connects which structures?

A

Cricoid cartilage to trachea

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72
Q

What does the thyro-epiglottic ligament connect?

A

Thyroid cartilage to epiglottis

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73
Q

What is unique about the thyrohyoid membrane?

A

It contains openings on each side for vessels and nerves to enter the larynx

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74
Q

What is the function of intrinsic ligaments of the larynx?

A

Connect the cartilages of the larynx to each other

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75
Q

What is another name for the vestibular ligament?

A

False vocal cord

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76
Q

Describe the location of the vestibular ligament.

A

Free thickened lower border of the quadrangular membrane

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77
Q

What is another name for the vocal ligament?

A

True vocal cord

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78
Q

Where is the vocal ligament located?

A

Free thickened upper border of the cricothyroid membrane

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79
Q

What is the clinical significance of the cricothyroid membrane?

A

Site for cricothyrotomy

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80
Q

What is the name of the opening between the vocal cords?

A

Glottis

81
Q

What are vocal folds/cords covered with?

A

Mucous membranes

82
Q

How many groups of muscles are found in the larynx?

A

Two

83
Q

Name the two groups of muscles in the larynx.

A

Extrinsic muscles and intrinsic muscles

84
Q

What is the function of extrinsic muscles of the larynx?

A

Attach larynx to other parts of the body and move the larynx as a whole.

85
Q

List three examples of extrinsic muscles of the larynx.

A

Infra-hyoid muscles, Supra-hyoid muscles, Stylopharyngeus muscle

86
Q

What is the function of intrinsic muscles of the larynx?

A

Connect different parts of the larynx and move the laryngeal components.

87
Q

Name seven intrinsic muscles of the larynx.

A

Cricothyroid muscle, Thyro-arytenoid muscle, Posterior crico-arytenoid muscles, Lateral crico-arytenoid muscles, Transverse arytenoid muscles, Oblique arytenoid muscles

88
Q

What happens to the vocal folds during quiet inspiration?

A

They are abducted

89
Q

Describe the shape of the rima glottidis (opening between vocal folds) during quiet inspiration.

A

Triangular

90
Q

What is the position of the vocal folds during expiration?

A

They are adducted with a small gap between them.

91
Q

How do the vocal folds change during deep (forced) inspiration?

A

They are maximally abducted.

92
Q

What is the shape of the rima glottidis during deep inspiration?

A

Diamond

93
Q

What is the common name for the trachea?

A

Windpipe

94
Q

Describe the size and function of the trachea.

A

12 cm tube that connects the larynx to the lungs (via the bronchi).

95
Q

Which ligament connects the cricoid cartilage to the trachea?

A

Cricotracheal ligament

96
Q

What is the defining structural feature of the trachea?

A

C-shaped cartilaginous rings

97
Q

What is the name of the smooth muscle on the posterior surface of the trachea?

A

Trachealis muscle

98
Q

What is the carina?

A

The last modified cartilaginous ring of the trachea where it divides into two primary bronchi.

99
Q

What are the two branches formed by the division of the trachea?

A

Left primary bronchus and right primary bronchus.

100
Q

Where are the lungs located in the body?

A

Thoracic cavity

101
Q

What type of tissue makes up the rings of the trachea?

A

Cartilage

102
Q

What is the purpose of the C-shaped cartilaginous rings in the trachea?

A

They provide structural support and prevent the trachea from collapsing during breathing.

103
Q

Which bronchus is shorter and wider: the left or the right?

A

The right primary bronchus.

104
Q

Explain why aspirated foreign objects are more likely to enter the right primary bronchus.

A

The right bronchus is more vertical and wider than the left, making it easier for foreign objects to enter.

105
Q

Into what structures do the primary bronchi further divide?

A

Secondary bronchi, which then divide into tertiary bronchi, and eventually into bronchioles.

106
Q

What is the histological difference between the trachea and bronchi?

A

The bronchi have plates of cartilage instead of complete rings, and they have a layer of smooth muscle that can constrict or dilate the airways.

107
Q

What are the smallest branches of the bronchial tree called?

A

Terminal bronchioles.

108
Q

What are alveoli?

A

Tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles where gas exchange takes place.

109
Q

What is the function of the alveoli?

A

To facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air and the bloodstream.

110
Q

Describe the structure of an alveolus.

A

Thin-walled sacs surrounded by capillaries.

111
Q

What type of cell makes up the walls of the alveoli?

A

Simple squamous epithelium (Type I pneumocytes).

112
Q

What is the role of surfactant in the alveoli?

A

To reduce surface tension and prevent the alveoli from collapsing.

113
Q

What are the two layers of the pleural membrane?

A

Visceral pleura (covers the lungs) and parietal pleura (lines the thoracic cavity).

114
Q

What is the function of the pleural cavity?

A

To reduce friction between the lungs and the chest wall during breathing.

115
Q

What is the difference between pulmonary ventilation and respiration?

A

Pulmonary ventilation is the movement of air into and out of the lungs (breathing), while respiration refers to the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) at the cellular level.

116
Q

Describe the mechanism of inspiration.

A

The diaphragm contracts and moves downward, while the external intercostal muscles contract and lift the rib cage, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and decreasing air pressure within the lungs, causing air to rush in.

117
Q

How does expiration occur?

A

The diaphragm and external intercostal muscles relax, decreasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and increasing air pressure within the lungs, forcing air out.

118
Q

What is the role of the medulla oblongata in breathing?

A

It contains the respiratory centers that control the rhythm and depth of breathing.

119
Q

What are chemoreceptors and how do they influence breathing?

A

They are specialized sensors that detect changes in the levels of carbon dioxide, oxygen, and pH in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. They send signals to the respiratory centers in the brain to adjust breathing rate and depth to maintain homeostasis.

120
Q

What is the specific role of hair follicles in the nasal vestibule?

A

To filter out large particles from inhaled air.

121
Q

What type of tissue is the respiratory epithelium?

A

Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with goblet cells.

122
Q

Besides mucus, what other substance is produced by the respiratory epithelium?

A

Cilia.

123
Q

What is the function of the cilia in the respiratory epithelium?

A

They move mucus and trapped particles towards the pharynx, where they can be swallowed or coughed out.

124
Q

What is the advantage of having concha in the nasal cavity?

A

They increase the surface area of the nasal cavity, which enhances the warming, humidifying, and filtering of inhaled air.

125
Q

Besides bone, what other tissue is found within the conchae?

A

Erectile tissue.

126
Q

Explain the function of erectile tissue in the conchae.

A

It swells and engorges with blood periodically, alternating between the two sides of the nose, to prevent drying of the nasal mucosa.

127
Q

What is the olfactory epithelium?

A

A specialized type of epithelium that contains olfactory receptor cells, which detect odor molecules.

128
Q

Where is the olfactory epithelium located?

A

In the superior part of the nasal cavity, in the olfactory region.

129
Q

How do odor molecules reach the olfactory epithelium?

A

They dissolve in the mucus lining the olfactory region and bind to olfactory receptor cells.

130
Q

Where are the olfactory bulbs located?

A

They sit on the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone.

131
Q

Explain the connection between the olfactory epithelium and the olfactory bulbs.

A

Olfactory receptor cells send their axons through the cribriform plate to synapse with neurons in the olfactory bulbs.

132
Q

How is the olfactory information transmitted to the brain?

A

From the olfactory bulbs, the signal travels along olfactory tracts to various areas of the brain, including the olfactory cortex, which interprets the smells.

133
Q

Why are paranasal sinuses lined with mucous membranes?

A

To produce mucus that helps to humidify inhaled air.

134
Q

What is the relationship between the paranasal sinuses and the nasal cavity?

A

The paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities within the bones of the skull that are connected to the nasal cavity via small openings (ostia).

135
Q

What can happen if the openings between the paranasal sinuses and the nasal cavity become blocked?

A

Mucus can build up in the sinuses, leading to sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses).

136
Q

What is the benefit of the paranasal sinuses reducing the weight of the skull?

A

It allows for more efficient head movement and reduces strain on the neck muscles.

137
Q

How do paranasal sinuses contribute to voice resonance?

A

They act as resonating chambers that amplify and modify the sound produced by the vocal cords.

138
Q

What type of muscle is found in the pharynx?

A

Skeletal muscle.

139
Q

What is the function of the muscles in the pharynx?

A

They help to propel food from the oral cavity to the esophagus during swallowing.

140
Q

What is the role of the soft palate during swallowing?

A

It elevates to close off the nasopharynx, preventing food from entering the nasal cavity.

141
Q

What is the function of the epiglottis during swallowing?

A

It covers the opening of the larynx, preventing food and liquids from entering the trachea.

142
Q

How does the structure of the laryngopharynx relate to its function?

A

Its location behind the larynx allows it to serve as a passageway for both air and food.

143
Q

What is the significance of the larynx being located at vertebral levels C3-C6?

A

This positioning allows for efficient airflow and vocalization.

144
Q

Why is the larynx considered a complex organ?

A

Its intricate arrangement of cartilages, ligaments, muscles, and membranes allows for both airway protection and voice production.

145
Q

What is the function of the vocal folds in sound production?

A

When air is forced through the glottis (the space between the vocal folds), the vocal folds vibrate, producing sound.

146
Q

How is pitch controlled during vocalization?

A

By changing the tension and length of the vocal folds using intrinsic laryngeal muscles.

147
Q

What is the role of the arytenoid cartilages in vocal fold movement?

A

Muscles attached to the arytenoid cartilages move them, which in turn adducts and abducts the vocal folds.

148
Q

How does the cricothyroid muscle affect vocal pitch?

A

It tilts the thyroid cartilage forward, stretching and tensing the vocal folds, which increases pitch.

149
Q

Explain the action of the thyroarytenoid muscle on the vocal folds.

A

It shortens and relaxes the vocal folds, which decreases pitch.

150
Q

How do the lateral cricoarytenoid muscles influence vocalization?

A

They adduct the vocal folds, closing the glottis, which is essential for sound production and for protecting the airway during swallowing.

151
Q

What is the function of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscles?

A

They abduct the vocal folds, opening the glottis for breathing.

152
Q

What happens when the transverse and oblique arytenoid muscles contract?

A

They adduct the arytenoid cartilages, bringing the vocal folds together.

153
Q

A patient presents with a deviated nasal septum. What impact might this have on their breathing?

A

A deviated septum can obstruct airflow through one or both nostrils, making it difficult to breathe through the nose.

154
Q

Explain why a person with a cold often experiences a loss of smell (anosmia).

A

Inflammation of the nasal mucosa can block odor molecules from reaching the olfactory epithelium.

155
Q

Why is it important for the larynx to have both intrinsic and extrinsic muscles?

A

Intrinsic muscles control the fine movements of the vocal folds for voice production, while extrinsic muscles stabilize and move the entire larynx during swallowing and breathing.

156
Q

Describe the sequence of events that occurs in the respiratory system when a person takes a deep breath.

A

The diaphragm contracts, the external intercostal muscles lift the rib cage, the volume of the thoracic cavity increases, air pressure within the lungs decreases, air rushes in through the nose and travels down the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles to the alveoli, where gas exchange takes place.

157
Q

How does the structure of the trachea relate to its function?

A

The C-shaped cartilaginous rings provide support and prevent the trachea from collapsing, ensuring an open airway for airflow.

158
Q

A patient undergoes a tracheostomy, a procedure where an opening is created in the trachea. Why might this procedure be necessary?

A

It can be necessary to bypass an obstruction in the upper airway or to provide long-term mechanical ventilation.

159
Q

Why might a tracheostomy be necessary?

A

It can be necessary to bypass an obstruction in the upper airway or to provide long-term mechanical ventilation.

160
Q

What is the clinical significance of understanding the drainage sites of the paranasal sinuses?

A

It helps healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat sinusitis, which can occur when sinus drainage is blocked.

161
Q

What can you infer about the relative sizes of the superior, middle, and inferior conchae?

A

The inferior concha appears to be the largest, followed by the middle concha, and then the superior concha.

162
Q

What is the relationship between the nasal septum and the choanae?

A

The nasal septum divides the nasal cavity into two halves, which open posteriorly into the nasopharynx via the choanae.

163
Q

Describe the position of the epiglottis relative to the larynx and the pharynx.

A

The epiglottis is attached to the superior part of the larynx and projects upwards into the pharynx.

164
Q

Which cartilage is the largest and most prominent in the larynx?

A

The thyroid cartilage.

165
Q

What structure is highlighted in blue in the anterolateral view of the larynx?

A

The thyrohyoid membrane is highlighted. It connects the larynx to the hyoid bone and contains openings for vessels and nerves to enter the larynx.

166
Q

How can you distinguish between the true and false vocal cords?

A

The true vocal cords are located inferiorly to the false vocal cords and are whiter in color.

167
Q

What is the role of the lungs in regulating blood pH?

A

The lungs help regulate blood pH by controlling the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.

168
Q

How does smoking affect the respiratory system?

A

Smoking damages the cilia in the respiratory epithelium, reduces lung capacity, and increases the risk of respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.

169
Q

What is asthma and how does it affect breathing?

A

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which makes breathing difficult.

170
Q

Describe the process of gas exchange in the alveoli.

A

Oxygen diffuses from the air in the alveoli into the capillaries, while carbon dioxide diffuses from the capillaries into the alveoli.

171
Q

What factors can influence the rate of gas exchange?

A

Factors such as the partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide, the surface area available for gas exchange, and the thickness of the respiratory membrane.

172
Q

What is the role of hemoglobin in oxygen transport?

A

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen in the lungs and transports it to the body’s tissues.

173
Q

How is carbon dioxide transported in the blood?

A

Carbon dioxide is transported in the blood in three forms: dissolved in plasma, bound to hemoglobin, and as bicarbonate ions.

174
Q

What are the main functions of the lymphatic system in the respiratory system?

A

To remove excess fluid and debris from the lungs and to help fight infections.

175
Q

How does exercise affect the respiratory system?

A

Exercise increases breathing rate and depth to meet the increased demand for oxygen by the muscles.

176
Q

What are the common symptoms of respiratory diseases?

A

Common symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, and sputum production.

177
Q

What are some possible diagnoses for a patient with a history of smoking and persistent cough?

A

Possible diagnoses include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or lung cancer.

178
Q

How can a spirometry test help to diagnose respiratory disorders?

A

Spirometry measures lung volumes and airflow rates, which can help to identify obstructive and restrictive lung diseases.

179
Q

How will a laryngectomy affect a patient’s ability to breathe and speak?

A

They will need to breathe through a stoma and will need to learn alternative methods of speech, such as using an electrolarynx or esophageal speech.

180
Q

Why is early detection and treatment of respiratory infections important?

A

Early detection and treatment can prevent complications such as pneumonia and respiratory failure.

181
Q

How do the respiratory and circulatory systems work together to deliver oxygen to the body’s cells?

A

The respiratory system brings oxygen into the lungs, where it diffuses into the bloodstream. The circulatory system then transports the oxygen-rich blood to the body’s cells.

182
Q

What are the ethical considerations surrounding lung transplantation?

A

Ethical considerations include organ allocation, donor consent, and the quality of life of the recipient.

183
Q

What are the potential benefits and risks of using artificial ventilation?

A

Benefits include supporting breathing in patients with respiratory failure, while risks include lung injury, infection, and psychological dependence.

184
Q

How can public health initiatives promote respiratory health?

A

Public health initiatives can focus on reducing air pollution, promoting smoking cessation, and encouraging vaccination against respiratory infections.

185
Q

How does the respiratory system adapt to high altitude environments?

A

The body produces more red blood cells, increases breathing rate, and increases heart rate to compensate for the lower oxygen levels at high altitude.

186
Q

What are the potential impacts of climate change on respiratory health?

A

Climate change can lead to increased air pollution, allergens, and extreme weather events, all of which can negatively impact respiratory health.

187
Q

How has the evolution of the respiratory system allowed for the diversification of life on Earth?

A

The development of different respiratory structures, such as gills, lungs, and tracheae, has allowed animals to adapt to various environments and lifestyles.

188
Q

What are the similarities and differences between the respiratory systems of humans and other mammals?

A

Similarities include the presence of lungs, a diaphragm, and a closed circulatory system. Differences may include the number of lobes in the lungs and specific adaptations for different respiratory patterns.

189
Q

How might the respiratory system evolve in the future in response to changing environmental conditions?

A

Possible evolutionary changes could include adaptations to higher levels of air pollution or lower oxygen levels.

190
Q

What are the anatomical landmarks that define the boundaries between the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx?

A

The soft palate marks the boundary between the nasopharynx and the oropharynx, while the epiglottis marks the boundary between the oropharynx and the laryngopharynx.

191
Q

Explain the functional significance of the auditory (eustachian) tube opening into the nasopharynx.

A

It allows for pressure equalization between the middle ear and the atmosphere.

192
Q

Which bones of the skull contribute to the formation of the nasal cavity?

A

Nasal bones, maxillary bones, frontal bones, ethmoid bone, vomer, palatine bones, and sphenoid bone.

193
Q

What is the difference in the composition of the roof and floor of the nasal cavity?

A

The roof is composed of several bones (nasal, frontal, ethmoid, and sphenoid), while the floor is primarily formed by the palatine process of the maxilla and the horizontal plate of the palatine bone.

194
Q

What are the clinical implications of the nasolacrimal duct opening into the inferior meatus?

A

Blockage of the nasolacrimal duct can lead to excessive tearing (epiphora).

195
Q

How does the structure of the nasal cavity contribute to its functions?

A

The conchae increase surface area, the mucous membrane secretes mucus to trap particles, and blood vessels in the mucosa warm the air.

196
Q

Discuss the factors that can contribute to the development of respiratory diseases.

A

Factors can include genetic predisposition, environmental exposures (e.g., air pollution, smoking), infections, and lifestyle choices.

197
Q

What are the challenges and opportunities in developing new treatments for respiratory diseases?

A

Challenges include the complexity of the respiratory system, the difficulty of delivering drugs to the lungs, and the development of drug resistance. Opportunities include advances in gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and personalized medicine.

198
Q

Describe the public health implications of the increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases worldwide.

A

The increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases places a significant burden on healthcare systems, economies, and societies. It highlights the need for public health interventions to prevent and manage these conditions.