Respiratory system Flashcards
Upper respiratory system
Nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx, larynx
Clean, humidify and warm incoming air, reabsorb heat and water from outgoing air
Lower respiratory system
Trachea, bronchi, lungs
Conducts air to the gas exchange surfaces, gas exchange.
Conducting zone
Passageways that conduct the air
Cleanse, humidify and warm the incoming air and reabsorb heat and water from outgoing air
Respiratory zone
Respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts and alveoli
Where gas exchange occurs.
Mucocilary escalator
Cilia and mucus that move contaminated mucus to the throat and stomach
Protect respiratory zone from damage and infection
Nasal conchea
Inc mucosal SA and enhance air turbulance
Construct of trachea
C-shaped cartilage rings
Prevent collage
Smooth muscle - can constrict
Composition of alveoli
Type I epithelial cells (RM)
Surfactant (produced by type II epithelial cells)
Alveolar pores (connect alveoli)
Alveolar macrophages
Innervation of the lungs (3)
- visceral sensory fibres: monitor condition
- Sympathetic fibres: dilate bronchioles (relax)
- Parasymp fibres: contrict bronchioles (contract)
Pleura
Separates lungs
Pleural fluid
Fills pleural space
Lubricating
Adhesion of VP (thoracic cavity) to PP (lungs)
Inspiration occurs when
P lungs < P outside
Air flows IN
Expiration occurs when
P lungs > P outside
Air flows OUT
Air flow (ventilation) =
P/R
Obstructive disorders
Increased resistance
