bmsc week 6

• What are the primary functions of the respiratory system?

  Gas exchange, air movement, protection, sound production, and odor detection
• How does the respiratory system protect delicate exchange surfaces?

  By filtering, warming, and humidifying inhaled air
• What are the two anatomical divisions of the respiratory system?

  Upper respiratory system and lower respiratory system
• What structures make up the upper respiratory system?

  Nose, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and pharynx
• What structures are included in the lower respiratory system?

  Larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli

  
• What is the function of the respiratory tract?

  To carry air to and from the lung exchange surfaces
• What is the role of the conducting portion of the respiratory tract?

  To filter, warm, and humidify inhaled air
• What is the respiratory mucosa?

  A mucous membrane lining the conducting portion of the respiratory system
• What type of epithelium lines the nasal cavity?

  Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium

  
• How does the respiratory defense system function?

  It traps debris and pathogens in mucus and moves it toward the pharynx
• What is the mucociliary escalator?

  A mechanism that moves mucus and trapped debris toward the pharynx
• What happens to particles larger than 10 µm in the nasal cavity?

  They are removed by filtration
• What occurs when the respiratory defenses are overwhelmed?

  It can lead to illnesses and reduced pulmonary function
• What is tuberculosis?

  A disease caused by aggressive pathogens that can overwhelm respiratory defenses
• What are the basic functions of the respiratory system?

  • Gas exchange between air and blood
  • Movement of air to and from lungs
  • Protection from dehydration and pathogens
  • Sound production for communication
  • Detection of odors
• How is the respiratory system organized anatomically?

  • Upper respiratory system: nose, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx
  • Lower respiratory system: larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli

  
• What is the role of the respiratory mucosa?

  • Lines the conducting portion of the respiratory system
  • Provides filtration mechanisms
  • Reduces debris and pathogens in inhaled air
• What are the effects of airborne irritants on the respiratory system?

  • Can provoke mucous plugs
  • May reduce pulmonary function
  • Can lead to local inflammation and lung cancer
• What is the significance of the alveolar epithelium?

  • Composed of simple squamous epithelium
  • Facilitates gas exchange between air and blood
• What happens to mucus produced in the respiratory system?

  • Traps debris and microorganisms
  • Swept toward the pharynx by cilia
  • Swallowed and exposed to stomach acids
• What can engulf foreign particles in the respiratory system?

  Alveolar macrophages
• What happens to particles smaller than about 0.5 μm in the air?

  They remain suspended in the air
• What are several functions of the respiratory system?

  • Gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide)
  • Regulation of blood pH
  • Protection against pathogens
  • Vocalization
• What are the two anatomical divisions of the respiratory system?

  • Conducting portion
  • Respiratory portion
• What membrane lines the conducting portion of the respiratory tract?

  Respiratory mucosa
• What can large quantities of airborne particles cause in the respiratory system?

  They may overload respiratory defenses and produce illnesses
• How can irritants in the conducting passageways affect pulmonary function?

  They can provoke the formation of mucous plugs that block airflow
• What is a potential consequence of damage to the epithelium in the lungs?

  It may allow irritants to enter surrounding lung tissues
• What do airborne irritants like cigarette smoke promote?

  The development of lung cancer
• What bacterium causes tuberculosis (TB)?

  Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• What are common signs and symptoms of tuberculosis?

  Coughing, chest pain, fever, night sweats, fatigue, and weight loss
• What was tuberculosis known as in 1900?

  Consumption
• What percentage of the world's population is estimated to be infected with TB today?

  One-third
• What inherited defect can affect mucus production in the respiratory system?

  Cystic fibrosis (CF)
• How common is cystic fibrosis in individuals of Northern European descent?

  It occurs in 1 in 3200 Caucasian births
• What happens to the respiratory mucosa in individuals with cystic fibrosis?

  It produces dense, viscous mucus that cannot be transported
• What is the average lifespan for people with cystic fibrosis who live into adulthood?

  37 years
• What are the functions of the nasal mucosa?

  • Warms and humidifies incoming air
  • Dehumidifies and absorbs heat from outgoing air
  • Protects delicate respiratory surfaces
• How does the nasal cavity prepare inhaled air for the lower respiratory system?

  By warming and humidifying it
• What happens to cool, dry air as it passes over the nasal cavity epithelium?

  It is heated almost to body temperature and saturated with water vapor