Basic respiratory system anatomy: lungs, trachea, diaphragm

• What is the function of the bronchioles?

  The bronchioles are small airways that connect the bronchi to the alveoli, allowing air to flow in and out of the lungs.
• What is the function of the alveoli?

  • The alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs.
  • They are the site of gas exchange, where oxygen is absorbed and carbon dioxide is expelled.
• What is the name of the structure labeled "trachea"?

  The trachea is the airway that connects the larynx to the lungs.
• What is the name of the structure labeled "diaphragm"?

  The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
• What is the function of the nasal cavity?

  • The nasal cavity is the space inside the nose where air enters and leaves the body.
  • It helps to filter, warm, and humidify the air we breathe.
• If a patient has a blockage in their bronchioles, how would this affect their breathing?

  A blockage in the bronchioles would make it difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs, causing breathing problems.
• What are the two main divisions of the respiratory system?

  • Upper tract: nose, pharynx, larynx
  • Lower tract: trachea, lungs
• What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

  To carry out gas exchange
• What are the structures that branch off from the trachea?

  Bronchi
• How do the upper and lower tracts of the respiratory system work together?

  They bring oxygen in and remove carbon dioxide
• What is the structure that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities?

  Diaphragm
• What is the function of the lungs in the respiratory system?

  • Site of gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide)
  • Contain alveoli where this exchange occurs
  • Expand and contract to facilitate breathing
• What is the name of the bony structure that protects the lungs?

  Ribs
• What is the function of the diaphragm in the respiratory system?

  • Separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities
  • Contracts and relaxes to facilitate breathing by changing the volume of the thoracic cavity
• What is the name of the secondary bronchus in the lungs?

  Lobar (secondary) bronchus
• What is the first main component of the respiratory system?

  Trachea
• What is the function of the trachea?

  It carries air to the lungs
• What role do the bronchi play in the respiratory system?

  They serve as airways in the lungs
• How do the lungs contribute to respiration?

  They facilitate gas exchange
• What is the diaphragm's role in the respiratory system?

  Breathing muscle at bottom
• How does the diaphragm assist in breathing?

  It contracts to allow air intake
• What is the primary function of the lungs?

  Gas exchange organs
• What is the name of the cartilage that forms the "Adam's apple" in the neck?

  Thyroid cartilage
• What are the smaller branches of the bronchi called?

  Bronchioles
• If a patient had a tumor in the right superior lobe bronchus, which lobe of the lung would be affected?

  The right superior lobe
• What is the name of the largest lobe of the lungs?

  Superior lobe
• What are the main parts of the lungs?

  • Trachea
  • Superior lobe
  • Main (primary) bronchus
  • Lobar (secondary) bronchus
  • Segmental (tertiary) bronchus
  • Cardiac notch
  • Inferior lobe
• How do the components of the respiratory system work together?

  They form the path for air movement
• How do the bronchi in the lungs differ in function and structure?

  • Main (primary) bronchus: Largest, carries air to/from lungs
  • Lobar (secondary) bronchus: Smaller, branch off primary bronchus
  • Segmental (tertiary) bronchus: Smallest, branch off secondary bronchus
• How many lobes are in the right lung?

  Three lobes
• How are the lobes of the lungs organized?

  • Right lung has 3 lobes: superior, middle, and inferior
  • Left lung has 2 lobes: superior and inferior
• What is the function of the bronchial tree?

  It creates passageways for air movement
• What are the main components of the respiratory system?

  • Trachea: windpipe carrying air to lungs
  • Bronchi: branching airways in lungs
  • Lungs: gas exchange organs
  • Ribs: protective bone cage
  • Diaphragm: breathing muscle at bottom
• What is the name of the main airway in the respiratory system?

  Trachea
• What is the purpose of the cardiac notch in the lungs?

  The cardiac notch is an indentation in the left lung that allows space for the heart.
• What is the function of the tracheal cartilages?

  • They provide structural support to the trachea to keep it open and prevent it from collapsing.
• What is the trachea commonly known as?

  Windpipe
• What is the name of the cartilage that connects the trachea to the lungs?

  • Cricoid cartilage
• What are the main steps of the breathing process?

  • Inhalation: Air is drawn into the lungs
  • Exhalation: Air is expelled from the lungs
• What are the branching airways in the lungs called?

  Bronchi