Respiratory System Flashcards
What are the two parts of the respiratory tract?
Upper and lower
What makes up the upper respiratory tract?
Nose, nasal cavity and the pharynx.
What makes up the lower respiratory tract?
Larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, alveolar ducts and alveoli.
Is the upper or lower respiratory tract shared with other systems? What system is it shared with?
Upper
Digestive system
Why is the surface area of the nasal cavity?
To humidify incoming air.
What cells line the upper respiratory tract?
Pseudo-stratified ciliated columnar epithelium.
What bones increase the mucosal surface area of the nasal cavity?
Conchae
What is formed at the inferior end of the pharynx?
The oesophagus with the larynx projecting out
What cartilage lines the bronchi?
Hyaline cartilage
Describe what occurs in the larynx during swallowing.
The larynx descends and the epiglottis covers it to prevent choking.
What is the one part of the larynx that has a complete part of hyaline cartilage?
Cricoid cartilage
What is the function of the cricoid cartilage in the larynx?
To keep airways open
List the four structures that make up the larynx in order from superior to inferior.
Epiglotis, thyroid cartilage, cricoid, vocal folds
Why can an infant and chimpanzee not make human sounds?
The larynx is closer to the nasal cavity to prevent choking.
Why is the back of the trachea to covered in cartilage?
To not rub the oesophagus
As you progress through the bronchiole tree what is cartilage replaced by?
Smooth muscle.
How many lobes make up the right lung?
Three
How many lobes make up the left lung?
Two
What is the difference between the primary bronchi in the left and right lungs?
The right is shorter, wider and more vertically oriented as it must split earlier.
If an object is inhaled, is it more likely to enter the left or right bronchus?
The right
Why are the bronchioles lined by smooth muscle?
To dilate or constrict alveoli based on autonomic innervation.
What is the respiratory membrane made up of?
Alveolar epithelium, basement membrane and endothelium.
What is the hilum?
Single entry point for vessels.
What is pleura?
Relatively thick tissue layer lining the thoracic cavity that binds lungs to the thoracic cavity walls.