structure and function of the airways Flashcards
what does the trachea divide into
2 main bronchi
what do the 2 bronchi divide into
2 more bronchi
what is the process of bifurcation called
dichotomous branching
what provides mechanical stability in the trachea
C shaped hyaline rings
how is the cartilage structured around the bronchi
actual rings of cartilage
where does gas exchange occur
alveolar ducts
what is the name of bronchioles that have no cartilage
terminal bronchioles
where are alveolar ducts found
respiratory bronchioles
describe type 1 cells
very thin, flat delicate barrier (facilitates gas exchange)
covers 95% of the surface
describe type 2 cells
replicate to replace type 1 cells greater in number than type 1 cells but only cover 5% of surface secrete surfactant (reduces surface tension) antiproteases
what is xenobiotic metabolism
metabolise obnoxious chemicals that may enter airways
a basic function of the respiratory airways is to act as conduit pipes to…
conduct O2 to the alveoli
conduct CO2 out of the lung
gas exchange
basic functions of the respiratory airways is facilitated by…
mechanical stability (cartilage)
control of calibre (smooth muscle)
protection and cleansing
what is the pharynx
a common passageway for foods, liquids and air
what does the conchae do
highly vascular
contributes to warming and humidification of intra nasally inhaled air
what do nasal hairs do
filters out large particles
where are the submucosal glands
embedded in airways smooth muscle
what happens when smooth muscle contracts
it narrows down airway and maybe presses against gland to squeeze out mucus
where does the produced mucus go
into the airway lumen
what do ciliated cells do
move/beat/waft mucus to the back of the throat to swallow
what other cells also produce mucus
goblet cells
what are some lining cells types
ciliated
intermediate
brush
basal
what are some contractile cells types
smooth muscle (airway, vasculature)
what are some secretory cells types
goblet (epithelium)
mucous
serous (glands)