Thoracic Cavity: Lungs & Pleura

Question 1

Describe the airway to the Bronchi

Answer 1

Nasal cavity -> Nasopharynx -> Oropharynx

Oral cavity -> Oropharynx

Oropharynx -> (laryngo-pharynx) -> Larynx -> Trachea -> L/R Primary Bronchi

Question 2

Describe the Bronchi pathway and what is significant about each sub category.

Answer 2

Primary Bronchii -> Secondary Bronchii (3 in R. Lung, 2 in L. Lung, each leading to a separate lobe)

R Lung: Superior, middle/lobar, & Inferior

L Lung: Superior & Inferior

Secondary Bronchii -> Tertiary Bronchi (each lead to a separate Broncho-pulmonary Segment)

Question 3

Describe the sections of the pleura

Answer 3

The Parietal pleura directly adheres to the thoracic wall, while the visceral pleura adheres to the lungs. The lowest portion of the cavity is referred to as the “Costodiaphragmatic Recess”

Question 4

Describe the role of the Pleural cavity

Answer 4

The cavity is filled with serous fluid to reduce friction & create surface tension between the parietal & visceral pleura, which is critical for respiration.

Question 5

Describe the innervation of the pleurae

Answer 5

Visceral Pleura: Autonomic nn.

Insensitive to pain

Parietal Pleura: (Very sensitive to pain)

Costal: Intercostal nn.

Mediastinal: Phrenic n. (C3,4,5; in the neck & shoulder)

Pain due to irritation/inflammation of the pleurae can be referred to associated dermatomes