Respiratory System

Question 1

Describe the main functions of the respiratory system

Answer 1

-The system’s purpose is to provide a constant supply of oxygen to keep your blood cells functioning.
-It does this by transporting oxygen to the lungs to facilitate the diffusion of oxygen to the bloodstream.
-It also receives waste carbon dioxide from the body and exhales it.

Question 2

Name the parts in the Upper Respiratory System.

Answer 2

Mouth, nose & nasal cavity
Pharynx
Epiglottis
Larynx

Question 3

Name the parts in the Lower Respiratory System

Answer 3

Trachea
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Alveoli
Diaphragm

Question 4

Functions of mouth, nose and nasal cavity

Answer 4

These warm, filter and moisten the incoming air.

Question 5

Functions of pharynx

Answer 5

This is where the throat divides into the trachea and the esophagus.

Question 6

Functions of larynx

Answer 6

This is where sound is generated. It produces a strong cough reflex if any solids pass the epiglottis, so the trachea is protected.

Question 7

Functions of trachea

Answer 7

This carries air from the throat to the lungs. It ranges from 20-25mm diameter and 10-16 cm in length. It is surrounded by C shaped rings of cartilage (15-20) and the front and side which protect the trachea and keep it open.

Question 8

Functions of Bronchi

Answer 8

This is where the trachea divides into 2 tubes, one entering the right lung and one entering the left lung. Irregular rings of cartilage surround the bronchi. When inside the lung, the bronchi splits several ways, forming tertiary bronchi.

Question 9

Functions of Bronchioles

Answer 9

The tertiary bronchi continue to divide to form bronchioles. They are narrow tubes (1mm in diameter). There is no cartilage and they lead to the alveolar sacs.

Question 10

Functions of Alveoli

Answer 10

These are individual hollow cavities contained within alveolar sacs. Alveoli have very thin walls which permit the exchange of gases oxygen and carbon dioxide. They are surrounded by a network of capillaries, into which the inspired gases pass. There are approximately 3 million alveoli within an average adult lung.

Question 11

Functions of Diaphragm

Answer 11

It’s a broad band of muscle which sits underneath the lungs, attaching to the lower ribs, sternum and lumbar spine and forming the base of the thoracic cavity.