Respiratory System Flashcards
What are the main features of the respiratory system?
Nose & Nasal Cavity Pharynx Larynx Trachea Bronchi Bronchioles Alveoli Lungs
What are the function of the nose and nasal cavity?
It filters, warms and filters the air as it passes the mucous membrane. The mucous membrane is highly vascularised ciliated columnar epithelium which contains goblet cells. It also has the function of the sense of smell.
What are the three parts that make up the pharynx?
The pharynx is a membrane-lined cavity behind the nose and mouth, connecting them to the oesophagus. The three parts its made up of is the nasopharynx,osopharynx and laryngopharynx. It creates a passageway for food to the stomach and air en route to the lungs.
Mucosal epithelium is the thickest in the pharynx than anywhere else in the respiratory system as it needs protection for the tissues from any abrasive and chemical trauma caused by the food.
What is the trachea?
The trachea is situated in front of the oesophagus and composed of 15-20 incomplete rings of cartilage. The reason for the incompletion is so when the oesophagus expands during swallowing, it prevents the closure of the trachea.
What are the bronchi?
The two passages that the trachea bifurcates into. The right bronchi are shorter and wider than the left and lie in a more vertical position. The tube of each division has a little less cartilage and a little more smooth muscle until
eventually becoming tiny tubes containing only rings
of smooth muscle
What are the bronchioles and the alveoli?
Bronchioles are the terminals of the bronchi and lead to the alveoli ducts. Alveoli is where gas exchange takes place due to its large surface area.
What are surfactants?
Surfactants are substances in the lungs that allow humans to breathe effortlessly.
What are the three adaptations during pregnancy?
20% increase in the demand for oxygen
C02 excretion is increased
Gravid uterus: pressure on the lungs increases and respiration is restricted.
What is a tracheostomy?
an opening created at the front of the neck so a tube can be inserted into the windpipe (trachea) to help you breathe. If necessary, the tube can be connected to an oxygen supply and a breathing machine called a ventilator.
What is bronchodilation?
Occurs in response of stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system or to drugs.
BRONCHODILATION-SALBUTAMOL: medication for asthmatics. Same medication to induce labour → Relax muscles in the uterus to stop contractions.
What is bronchoconstriction?
Bronchoconstriction occurs in response to
parasympathetic nervous activity, acetylcholine,
histamine and stimulation of receptors in the trachea
and large bronchi by irritants such as smoke. Asthma
is an exaggerated bronchoconstriction response to
many physical, chemical and pharmacological agents
What are the lungs function?
The two lungs- where gas exchange takes place. The right lung is divided into three distinct lobes and the left into two.
Pleura: membrane in the outer surface of the lungs
Pleurisy: is inflammation of the sheet-like layers that cover the lungs (the pleura). The most common symptom of pleurisy is a sharp chest pain when breathing deeply. Sometimes the pain is also felt in the shoulder.
Pleural effusion: build up of fluid in the linings of the lungs → sign of cancer
Pneumothorax: is a space created between the lungs and chest wall due to the rupture os the pleural layers- collapsing the lungs.
What are the three main functions of the airway?
To act as a channel for gases moving to and from the lungs
To protect the lungs from an entry of any foreign matter
To control the heat and humidity of gases.
