The Respiratory System Flashcards
How is the respiratory system divided?
-
Conducting division
- Airflow passages
- Nostrils to large bronchioles
-
Respiratory division
- Gas exchange portion
- Respiratory bronchioles and alveoli
Describe the structure of the nasal cavity
- Nasal conchae
-
Meatuses
- Warm and humidify air
- Trap particles in mucous
- Circulating air carry olfactory stimuli
-
Hard palate
- Floor of nasal cavity
- Separates from oral cavity
- Soft palate
- Internal nares
Describe the anatomy of the trachea (windpipe)
- Tube shaped
- 15-20 cartilages
- Provides support
- C-shaped ends
- Trachealis muscle (smooth muscle)
Describe the anatomy of the larynx
- Unpaired cartilage
- Epiglottis
- Thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple)
- Cricoid cartilage
- Anchored by Hyoid bone
What are the pleural membranes and pleural cavities of the lungs?
- Layers:
- Parietal pleura
- Visceral pleura
-
Pleural fluid
- Lubricates space between layers
- Prevents friction
- Creates a pressure gradient
- Compartmentalizes the lungs
- Protects from nearby infection
-
Pulmonary ligament
- Derived from pleura
- Attaches the lung to the mediastinum
What is the Hilum?
- Depression on each lung
- Anatomical structures enter and leave the lung
- Eg the major bronchi, pulmonary arteries and veins
Describe the layers of the respiratory membrane
Three layers:
1. Squamous epithelial cells of the alveolus
2. Endothelial cells lining an adjacent capillary
3. Fused basement membranes between the alveolar and endothelial cells
How is blood supplied to the lungs?
Conducting division
* Via capillaries
* Supplied by bronchial arteries
* Branch from thoracic aorta
Respiratory division
* Pulmonary arteries: carry deoxygenated blood
* Enter the lung at the hilum
* Surrounded by capillary network
* Oxygen rich blood from the alveolar capillaries →pulmonary venules-→pulmonary veins→ left atrium
