Ventilation, Respiration, and Upper Airway Anatomy

Practice questions covering definitions of ventilation and respiration, airway organization, nasal anatomy, and clinical considerations for suctioning.

How does ventilation differ from respiration?

Ventilation is the mechanical movement of air into and out of the lungs, while respiration is the movement of $O_2$ and $CO_2$ between air, blood, and tissues.

What is the definition of external respiration?

External respiration is the gas exchange that occurs between the alveoli and the blood.

What is the definition of internal respiration?

Internal respiration is the gas exchange that occurs between the blood and body tissues.

Which condition must occur before gas exchange can happen?

Ventilation must occur before gas exchange can happen.

Which conditions are noted for increasing the work of breathing and causing fatigue?

COPD, pneumonia, and chest trauma.

What anatomical structure serves as the divider between the upper and lower respiratory tracts?

The larynx; the upper tract is above it and the lower tract is below it.

Where does the conducting zone of the airway end?

The conducting zone ends at the terminal bronchioles.

Which structures are included in the respiratory zone?

The respiratory zone includes respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli.

What are the primary functions of the upper airway?

Conduct air, humidify inspired air, warm or cool air to body temperature, filter particles, and assist with speech and smell.

What bones make up the upper $1/3$ (bridge) of the nose?

The nasal bones and the frontal process of the maxilla.

Which structures form the posterior nasal septum?

The ethmoid and the vomer bones.

What is the function of the nasal turbinates (conchae)?

They create turbulent airflow for filtration and increase surface area for warming and humidifying air.

What is the size threshold for particles usually trapped by the turbinates before reaching the lower airways?

Particles > 5 \text{\,} m are usually trapped.

What type of epithelium lines the anterior $1/3$ of the nose?

Nonciliated stratified squamous epithelium.

What type of epithelium lines the posterior $2/3$ of the nose?

Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium.

What is the 'mucociliary escalator'?

The process where cilia move mucus produced by goblet cells toward the pharynx.

What feature of the nasal vascular system allows for rapid dilation and constriction?

High-capacitance blood supply.

What is the clinical risk of using nasal spray for longer than $3 – 5$ days?

It can cause rebound congestion and dependence.

What are the recommended practices for nasotracheal suctioning to reduce trauma?

Use a water-based lubricant (KY Jelly) and insert the catheter horizontally (straight back) rather than upward.

Why is the right nare typically easier to access for suctioning?

Because most patients have a nasal septum that is deviated slightly to the left.