Respiratory System Anatomy

• What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

  Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
• How does the respiratory system fuel the cells?

  By supplying oxygen through breathing
• What are the tiny sacs in the lungs called?

  Alveoli
• What are the key functions of the respiratory system?

  • Oxygen intake for cellular function
  • Carbon dioxide expulsion
  • Air filtration
  • Sound production
  • Smell reception
  • pH regulation
  • Water and heat disposal
• What is the upper respiratory tract composed of?

  Nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx
• What is included in the lower respiratory tract?

  Larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, lungs
• What is the function of the conducting portion of the respiratory tract?

  It carries air to and from the lungs
• What is the role of the respiratory portion of the respiratory tract?

  Exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide
• What does the nasal cavity primarily do?

  Filters, warms, and humidifies air
• What are the structures and functions of the nasal cavity?

  • Nares: Openings for air entry
  • Nasal Septum: Divides cavity into sides
  • Conchae: Creates turbulence for warming
  • Paranasal Sinuses: Contribute to humidification
• Which nerve transmits the sense of smell?

  Olfactory Nerve [I]
• What is the function of the trigeminal nerve in the nasal cavity?

  Provides general sensation
• What do parasympathetic fibers do in the nasal cavity?

  Innervate glands for secretion
• What are the three regions of the pharynx and their functions?

  • Nasopharynx: Transports air; contains adenoids
  • Oropharynx: Transports air and food; houses tonsils
  • Laryngopharynx: Transports air and food; leads to esophagus
• What is the primary structure of the larynx made of?

  Cartilages and muscles
• What is the function of the epiglottis?

  Covers airway during swallowing
• What are the features of the trachea?

  • C-shaped cartilage rings: Support and prevent collapse
  • Anterior to the esophagus: Ensures smooth air passage
  • Carries air to the lungs
• What is the branching pattern of the main bronchi?

  • Right Main Bronchus: Divides into three lobar bronchi
  • Left Main Bronchus: Divides into two lobar bronchi
  • Each lobar bronchus further branches into segmental bronchi
• Why is the right main bronchus more likely to receive inhaled objects?

  It is wider and more vertical
• What are the types of pleura and their functions?

  • Parietal Pleura: Lines chest wall and diaphragm
  • Visceral Pleura: Covers lung surface
  • Both ensure smooth lung expansion and contraction
• What are the characteristics of the lungs?

  • Located in the thorax
  • Separated by the heart and mediastinum
  • Right lung: Three lobes; Left lung: Two lobes
  • Mediastinal surface has a cardiac impression
• What do pulmonary arteries carry?

  Deoxygenated blood to the lungs
• What are the features of the pulmonary arteries?

  • Right Pulmonary Artery: Longer, extends horizontally
  • Left Pulmonary Artery: Shorter, passes anterior to aorta
  • Connects directly to lungs for oxygen exchange
• What do pulmonary veins carry?

  Oxygenated blood back to the heart
• What is the origin and destination of the pulmonary veins?

  • Superior Pulmonary Vein: Upper lung to left atrium
  • Inferior Pulmonary Vein: Lower lung to left atrium
• What is the mediastinum?

  Space between pleural cavities in the chest
• What are the contents of the mediastinum?

  • Thymus Gland: Develops immune cells
  • Pericardial Sac: Protects the heart
  • Heart: Pumps blood
  • Trachea: Carries air to lungs
  • Major Blood Vessels: Transport blood to/from heart