Respiratory System 2

Question 1

The pharynx

Answer 1

• fibromuscular tube that connects the nasal cavity, oral cavity and larynx.
• About 12 to 14 cm long extending from the base of the skull to the level of the 6th cervical vertebrae where it opens into the esophagus

Question 2

Divisions of the pharynx

Answer 2

• Nasopharynx
• Oropharynx
• Laryngopharynx

Question 3

The nasopharynx

Answer 3

• superior part of the pharynx and communicates anteriorly with the nasal cavity through the choanae and extends inferiorly to the soft palate

Question 4

The Oropharynx

Answer 4

• Lies between the soft palate and the tip of the epiglottis ( upper part of third cervical vertebrae)
• Opens anteriorly through the oropharyngeal isthmus into the mouth cavity

Question 5

The laryngopharynx

Answer 5

Extends from the tip of the epiglottis to the level of the 6th cervical vertebrae behind cricoid cartilage

Question 6

The larynx

Answer 6

• Box like structure about 8cm long, which extends from the root of the tongue to the level of the upper end of trachea
• In adult males it lies between 3rd and 6th cervical vertebrae and in children and adult females is slightly higher

Question 7

Functions of the larynx

Answer 7

• To allow air to pass from the pharynx to the trachea
• To prevent food entering the trachea during swallowing
• To produce voice

Question 8

What happens to the larynx during swallowing

Answer 8

• the larynx is drawn upwards by muscular action and the epiglottis becomes more horizontal covering the opening of the larynx.

Question 9

The trachea

Answer 9

• Runs from the lower border of cricoid cartilage at the level of 6th cervical vertebra.
• It extends to the Carina at the level of the sternal angle ( T5 level, T4 on inspiration and T6 on expiration

Question 10

Functions of the trachea

Answer 10

• To offer support and latency; The soft tissue bands between the cartilages allow flexibility so that the head and neck can move freely without obstructing the trachea.
• To float mucus with adherent particles upwards towards the larynx where it is swallowed.
• To generate nerve impulses conducted by the vagus nerves to the respiratory center in the brain.
• To warm, humidify and filter air as it passes.

Question 11

The bronchi and bronchioles

Answer 11

• start at the bifurcation of the trachea at the level of upper T5
• This point is called carina

Question 12

How different is the right bronchus from the left bronchus.

Answer 12

• The right main bronchus is wider, shorter and more vertical downward than the left bronchus.
• The left bronchus is more narrower than the right and it runs more horizontally

Question 13

Network from bronchus to bronchioles

Answer 13

• the right main bronchus divides into 3 smaller bronchi called secondary bronchi,
• After entering the right lung, one to each lobe of the lung which then further subdivide into smaller bronchi within the lungs called segmental bronchi.
• Segmental then divide into bronchioles.

Question 14

Functions of bronchi and bronchioles

Answer 14

• to control the passage of air
• To warm and humidify air
• To remove particulate matter
• To initiate cough reflexes