RESP 120 Chapter 1: The Airways & Alveoli

Purpose of the nose

warms, humidifies, filters incoming air

What is the acinus?

The functional respiratory unit of the lung.

What structures make up the upper airways?

Nose and nasal cavity; pharynx (nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx); larynx.

What structures make up the lower airways?

Trachea; bronchi; bronchioles; alveolar ducts; alveolar sacs; alveoli.

At what vertebral levels is the larynx located?

C4–C6.

At what vertebral levels is the trachea located?

C6–T5, posterior to the angle of Louis.

What is the carina?

The point where the trachea bifurcates into the main bronchi.

What is the angle of the right main bronchus?

20–30 degrees.

What is the angle of the left main bronchus?

45–55 degrees.

What is the vallecula?

The space between the base of the tongue and the epiglottis.

Purpose of the epiglottis

close tracheal opening when food/water are being swallowed

Structures of acinus

Respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, alveoli

ISB definition

100% airway humidity at the carina

What is the function of the Pores of Kohn?

passage for air, fluid, and bacteria to travel between alveoli

Goblet cells secrete mucus to ___ ___ and ___ ___

trap particles, humidify air

Clara cells produce surfactant like fluid to ___ and ___

reduce surface tension, protect bronchiolar lining.

What type of cell forms the A-C membrane?

type I pneumocytes

Type II pneumocytes produce ___ and can ___.

pulmonary surfactant, regenerate Type I and II cells

The nasopharynx is located behind the ___ ___ and above the ___ ___.

nasal cavity, soft palate

The oropharynx extends from the ___ ___ to the tip of the ___.

soft palate, epiglottis

The laryngopharynx extends from the ___ to the ___.

epiglottis, esophogus

Gag and swallow reflexes involve ___ and ___ cranial nerves.

glossopharyngeal, vagus

The larynx is located between the ___ and ___ vertebrae.

C4, C6

The trachea is located between the ___ and ___ vertebrae.

C6, T5

Cells that line most of the conduction airways

pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelial cells

Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelial cells beat rhythmically to move ___ and ___ ___ upwards.

mucus, trapped debris

What structure acts as a conduit, allowing gases and particles to move between alveoli?

Pores of Kohn