Respiratory System

Question 0

The Pharynx

Answer 0

The mouth leads to the oropharynx and the nose leads to the nasopharynx. Both merge in the throat and then separate into either the esophagus (food) and the trachea (air).

Question 1

The Nose and Mouth

Answer 1

Air enters here. The nasal cavity filters, warms, and moistens incoming air.

Question 2

The Epiglottis

Answer 2

Flap of cartilage that protects the trachea from food during swallowing.

Question 3

The Larynx

Answer 3

Houses the vocal cords, which is protected by the thyroid cartilage (Adams apple). The most inferior part of the larynx is the cricoid cartilage (ring of cartilage)

Question 4

The Trachea

Answer 4

The wind pipe, which branches into two bronchi

Question 5

The Bronchi, Bronchioles and Alveoli

Answer 5

The left and right bronchi further branches into bronchioles, which end in sacs of alveoli. Gas exchange takes place across the surface of the alveoli.

Question 6

The Lungs

Answer 6

Organ for gas exchange, which houses all of the alveoli. The lung(s) is lined with connective tissue called visceral pleura, which is in turn surrounded by the parietal pleura. This double membrane creates an intermembrane space called the pleural cavity with negative pressure that keeps the lungs from collapsing

Question 7

The Diaphragm and Intercostal muscles

Answer 7

Muscles for breathing. The diaphragm is the dome shaped muscle behind the lungs. Pulls down when contracting to create the negative pressure needed for breathing. The intercostal muscles are the muscles between the ribs that expand the rib cage when contracting, which creates the negative pressure in the lungs required for breathing.

Question 8

Adequate rate of breathing

Answer 8

*Breaths Per Min
Adult: 12-20
Children: 15-30
Elderly- 20-22
Infants- 25-50

• Effortless
• Regular in rhythm
• Clear of unusual sounds
• Adequate tidal volume (chest rise, breathing sounds)

Question 9

Inadequate breathing

Answer 9

• Unusual rate
• Strained
• Irregular
• Unusual breath sounds
• inadequate tidal volume

Question 10

Infants have

Answer 10

Smaller nose, mouth and a narrower airway making it more easily obstructed

Proportionally larger tongues

Softer cricoid cartilage

Rely more on diaphragm for breathing