Topic 10: Respiratory Systems

• What is the primary role of the respiratory system?

  To bring oxygen into the bloodstream
• How does the respiratory system help regulate blood pH?

  By controlling carbon dioxide levels
• What are the main components of the upper respiratory system?

  Nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx
• What is the function of the nasal cavity?

  To filter, warm, and humidify air
• What is the structure that separates the nasal cavity into two halves?

  The nasal septum
• What are the divisions of the pharynx?

  Nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx
• What is the role of the larynx?

  To conduct air and produce sound
• What is the function of the epiglottis?

  To protect the trachea during swallowing
• What type of cartilage is found in the larynx?

  Thyroid cartilage
• What is the trachea commonly known as?

  The windpipe
• What is the significance of the carina?

  It is the bifurcation point of the trachea
• How many lobes does the right lung have?

  Three lobes
• What is the function of the alveoli?

  To facilitate gas exchange
• What type of cells make up the walls of the alveoli?

  Squamous cells
• What is pulmonary ventilation?

  The flow of air between atmosphere and lungs
• What happens during inhalation?

  Lung pressure decreases below atmospheric pressure
• What muscles are primarily involved in inhalation?

  The diaphragm and external intercostals
• What is the role of the diaphragm during breathing?

  It contracts to increase lung volume
• What occurs during forced exhalation?

  Contraction of internal intercostals and abdominal muscles
• What are the functions of the upper respiratory tract?

  • Conditioning inhaled air
  • Heating or cooling inspired gases
  • Filtering particles from inspired gases
  • Humidifying inspired gases
  • Providing sense of smell
  • Producing sounds
  • Conducting gas to lower airways
• What are the structural components of the respiratory system?

  • Upper respiratory system: nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx
  • Lower respiratory system: trachea, bronchi, lungs
  • Supporting structures: thoracic cage, muscles of breathing
• What is the structure of the lungs?

  • Paired organs in thoracic cavity
  • Enclosed by pleural membrane
  • Right lung: three lobes
  • Left lung: two lobes and cardiac notch
  • Contains lobules with alveoli for gas exchange
• What is the process of gas exchange in the alveoli?

  • Oxygen diffuses from alveoli to blood
  • Carbon dioxide diffuses from blood to alveoli
  • Large surface area of alveoli enhances exchange
• What factors influence pulmonary ventilation?

  • Differences in air pressure
  • Contraction and relaxation of skeletal muscles
  • Nerve impulses from phrenic nerves
• What are the types of lung volumes and capacities?

  • Tidal volume
  • Inspiratory reserve volume
  • Expiratory reserve volume
  • Vital capacity
  • Total lung capacity
• How does exercise affect the respiratory system?

  • Increases respiratory rate
  • Enhances gas exchange efficiency
  • Improves lung capacity
• How does aging affect the respiratory system?

  • Decreased lung elasticity
  • Reduced respiratory muscle strength
  • Lowered gas exchange efficiency
• How does the respiratory system contribute to homeostasis?

  • Regulates blood pH
  • Maintains oxygen and carbon dioxide levels
  • Supports metabolic processes
• What disorders can affect the respiratory system?

  • Asthma
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Pneumonia
  • Lung cancer
• What do the gas exchange surfaces in the alveolus represent?

  Plasmic plates
• What is the role of type II cells in the alveolar compartment?

  They act as caretakers and progenitor cells
• What do type II cells synthesize and release?

  Pulmonary surfactant
• How does pulmonary ventilation occur?

  • Flow of air between atmosphere and lungs
  • Caused by differences in air pressure
  • Inhalation: lung pressure < atmospheric pressure
  • Exhalation: lung pressure > atmospheric pressure
• What causes inhalation and exhalation?

  Changes in air pressure due to muscle contraction
• Which muscles contract during inhalation?

  Diaphragm and external intercostals
• What role do the SCMs and scalenes play in breathing?

  They contribute to forced inhalation
• What muscles are involved in forced exhalation?

  Internal intercostals and abdominal muscles
• What are lung volumes and capacities?

  • Lung volumes: gas volume at a given time
  • Lung capacities: sum of different lung volumes
  • Average total lung capacity: 6 litres in adult males
• What is the average total lung capacity of an adult male?

  About 6 litres
• What is tidal volume?

  Volume entering and leaving with each breath