Respiratory System

• What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

  To provide oxygen and remove carbon dioxide
• Why is oxygen essential for the body?

  It is needed for mitochondrial respiration
• What are the secondary functions of the respiratory system?

  Regulation of blood pH, vocal sounds, smell
• How do the respiratory and cardiovascular systems work together?

  They supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide
• What is the upper respiratory tract composed of?

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

  Larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, lungs
• What are the two functional divisions of the respiratory system?

  • Conducting Zone: Transports air, purifies, humidifies, warms
  • Respiratory Zone: Site of gas exchange
• What is respiration defined as?

  The process of exchanging gases between atmosphere and cells
• What are the four distinct events of respiration?

  1. Pulmonary Ventilation (breathing)
  2. External Respiration
  3. Transport of gases
  4. Internal Respiration
• What is the composition of inhaled air?

  N$_2$ 78%, O$_2$ 21%, CO$_2$ 0.04%
• What is the composition of exhaled air?

  N$_2$ 78%, O$_2$ 17%, CO$_2$ 4%
• What is the only externally visible part of the respiratory system?

  The nose
• What is the role of the nostrils in the respiratory system?

  They filter dust and small particles from air
• What is the function of the nasal cavity?

  • Hollow space behind the nose
  • Divided by the nasal septum
  • Increases surface area for mucosa
• What is the function of the nasal mucosa?

  Warms, moistens air, traps dust particles
• What separates the nasal cavity from the oral cavity?

  The palate
• What are the functions of the paranasal sinuses?

  • Lighten the skull
  • Resonance chambers for speech
  • Produce mucus that drains into nasal cavities
• What is the pharynx?

  A muscular passageway for food and air
• What are the three sections of the pharynx?

  1. Nasopharynx
  2. Oropharynx
  3. Laryngopharynx
• How does air and food travel through the pharynx?

  Air enters nasopharynx; food enters oropharynx
• What is the function of the epiglottis?

  Prevents food from entering the larynx
• What connects the pharynx with the trachea?

  The larynx
• What are the functions of the larynx?

  • Conducts air in and out of trachea
  • Directs food and air along correct pathways
  • Houses vocal cords for sound production
• What is the largest cartilage in the larynx?

  Thyroid cartilage (Adam's apple)
• How do vocal cords produce sound?

  They vibrate with expelled air
• What is the trachea also known as?

  The windpipe
• What is the diameter and length of the trachea?

  1. 5 cm diameter, 12.5 cm length
• What is the function of the ciliated mucous membrane in the trachea?

  Traps dust and propels it away from lungs
• What prevents the trachea from collapsing?

  1. shaped hyaline cartilage rings
• What are the key components of the bronchial tree?

  • Primary bronchi
  • Bronchioles
  • Alveolar ducts
  • Alveolar sacs
  • Alveoli
• What is the function of the trachea?

  Conducts air from the larynx to bronchi
• What is another name for the trachea?

  Windpipe
• What are the two important structures of the trachea?

  Ciliated mucous membrane and hyaline cartilage
• What is the role of cilia in the trachea?

  Trap dust and propel it away from lungs
• How do the walls of the trachea prevent collapse?

  Reinforced with C-shaped hyaline cartilage
• What allows the esophagus to expand during food movement?

  Gap in the smooth muscle of the trachea
• What are the main components of the bronchial tree?

  • Primary bronchi
  • Secondary bronchi
  • Tertiary bronchi
  • Bronchioles
  • Alveolar ducts
  • Alveolar sacs
  • Alveoli
• How does the right primary bronchus differ from the left?

  It is wider, shorter, and straighter
• What happens to the walls of bronchi as they branch into bronchioles?

  They lose cartilage and become thinner
• What is the apex of the lung?

  The superior part of the lung