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Anatomy & Physiology: Respiratory System

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Terms in this set (25)

  • What are the main anatomical divisions of the respiratory tract?
    Upper respiratory tract includes nasal cavity to larynx; Lower respiratory tract includes trachea to alveoli.
  • What are the primary functions of the conducting zone in the respiratory system?
    Conducting zone tubes filter, warm, and moisten air; serve as conduits for air from nose to bronchioles.
  • What structures make up the respiratory zone?
    Respiratory zone includes respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, and alveoli where gas exchange occurs.
  • Name the three unpaired cartilages of the larynx.
    Thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, and epiglottis.
  • What is the function of the epiglottis during swallowing?
    Epiglottis closes the glottis to prevent food and liquids from entering the larynx and lower respiratory tract.
  • Describe the histology of the trachea.
    Lined with pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium and goblet cells; supported by C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings.
  • What is the carina and its significance?
    Last tracheal cartilage ring forming a hook at bifurcation; contains sensory receptors triggering cough reflex.
  • How do the primary bronchi differ anatomically?
    Right primary bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical; left is narrower, longer, and more horizontal due to heart position.
  • What changes occur in the bronchial tree as airways get smaller?
    Cartilage changes from rings to plates, epithelium thins from pseudostratified to columnar, and smooth muscle amount increases.
  • What cell types are found in alveoli and their functions?
    Type I alveolar cells for gas diffusion, Type II alveolar cells produce surfactant, alveolar macrophages remove debris.
  • What is the respiratory membrane?
    Thin barrier formed by fused alveolar and capillary walls allowing gas exchange between air and blood.
  • What are the pleurae and their functions?
    Parietal and visceral pleurae are serous membranes enclosing lungs; pleural fluid lubricates and reduces friction during breathing.
  • Explain Boyle's law in relation to pulmonary ventilation.
    At constant temperature, pressure and volume of gas are inversely related; increasing lung volume decreases pressure, causing air inflow.
  • What are the three pressures influencing pulmonary ventilation?
    Atmospheric pressure, intrapulmonary (alveolar) pressure, and intrapleural pressure.
  • How do inspiratory muscles increase lung volume?
    Diaphragm contracts downward; external intercostals elevate ribs, expanding thoracic cavity and lungs.
  • What is the role of surfactant in alveoli?
    Reduces surface tension to prevent alveolar collapse and increases pulmonary compliance.
  • Define tidal volume (TV) and inspiratory reserve volume (IRV).
    TV is air inspired or expired during normal breathing (~500 ml); IRV is additional air forcibly inspired after TV.
  • What is the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve?
    Graph showing relationship between blood PO2 and hemoglobin saturation; demonstrates oxygen loading and unloading.
  • How does increased temperature affect hemoglobin's oxygen affinity?
    Decreases affinity, promoting oxygen unloading to tissues.
  • Describe the three main ways carbon dioxide is transported in blood.
    Dissolved in plasma (~7-10%), bound to hemoglobin as carbaminohemoglobin (~20%), and as bicarbonate ions (~70%).
  • What is the function of central chemoreceptors in ventilation control?
    Detect changes in CO2 and H+ in cerebrospinal fluid and adjust ventilation rate to maintain blood pH.
  • What is the effect of hyperventilation on blood pH?
    Decreases CO2, reduces carbonic acid, raises pH causing respiratory alkalosis.
  • What are the main features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
    Persistent airway obstruction, increased airway resistance, and impaired expiration; includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
  • What is the significance of the pleural cavity pressure being lower than atmospheric pressure?
    Creates a suction effect that keeps lungs inflated and prevents collapse.
  • How does ventilation-perfusion coupling optimize gas exchange?
    Blood flow is directed to well-ventilated alveoli; airflow is directed to well-perfused areas.