The Respitatory System Flashcards
What is the function of the pharynx
The pharynx transfers food from the mouth to the oesophagus, to warm/moisten air before it moves into trachea. it’s divided into 3 parts:
- Nasopharynx
- Oropharynx
- Laryngopharynx
Nasopharynx
It provides a major drainage path for lymphatic fluids and drains into the throat or ears. It contains adenoid tissue which fights infection.
Oropharynx
It accepts air from the Nasopharynx and passes it to the laryngeal pharynx.
Prevents foods and liquids from entering the lungs.
Laryngopharynx
Lined by stratified squamous epithelium, function is to pass food and air. During swallowing the entry of the air stops allowing food to pass through the oesophagus
Larynx
Allows air to pass through it while keeping food and drink from blocking the airway. It consists of:
- The thyroid cartilage (hyaline)
- The cricoid cartilage (hyaline)
- The epiglottis (elastic)
Bronchi
These allow air to pass into Lungs and deliver air to the alveoli, contains less cartilage and more smooth muscle, these disappear and a single layer of epithelial cells is left: alveoli
The 3 types are:
. Lobular (the passages that first enter lungs)
. Terminal (smaller passages in each lung)
. Respiratory (leading on from terminal branches that lead to alveolar ducts)
What is the major function of the respiratory system
. To supply the body with oxygen
. To remove carbon dioxide from the body
What are the function of arteries
Carries bloody away from the heart
What are the function of veins
Carries blood into the heart
What are the functions of capillaries
Direct contact with tissues and supplies them with oxygen
What does hemogloblin do
Oxygen binds to haemoglobin and travel through the blood stream, diffusing into tissues as capillary bed
What does the respiratory system contain
What separates the nasal and oral cavity
The palate
What does the nasal conchae do
Why is the nasal cavity surrounded by paranasal sinuses
What does the pharynx(throat) do and how many regions does it have
This connects the nasal cavity and mouth to larynx
3 parts:
. Nasopharynx
. Oropharynx
.Laryngopharynx
What does the larynx do
Provides airway and serves as site of voice production. It is comprised of epligottis which is a cartilage which stays open for airflow and but when swallowing it will cover up the laryngeal inlet so we don’t breathe our food
What does the trachea divide into
Left and right bronchi
Where are alveoli’s
They are tiny sacs at the end of the respiratory bronchioles, this is where gas exchange takes place
What epithelium does alveoli’s have and why
They have thin walls of a single layer of squamous epithelium which allows for the diffusion of gases and they are covered by a cob web of capillaries
What does the hilum do for the lungs
It’s where the blood vessels and nerves enter and exit the lungs
What is the cardiac notch
It’s a small cavity in the left lung that accommodates the heart
What is lung tissue called
It is called stroma
What part of the lungs affects asthma
The bronchioles
Where does the site of gas exchange occur in the lungs
Aveoli
How many lobes does the right and left bronchi have
The left: 2 lobes
The right: 3 lobes
