Respiratory System Lecture Review

These flashcards cover key concepts and material from the respiratory system lecture to aid in exam preparation.

What is the difference between the conducting and respiratory portions of the respiratory system?

The conducting portion is responsible for moving air to the sites of gas exchange, whereas the respiratory portion is where gas exchange occurs.

What are the main anatomical structures of the conducting portion?

Nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi.

What are the main anatomical structures of the respiratory portion?

Respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveoli.

How does the epithelium change from the nasal cavity to the alveoli?

It changes from pseudostratified ciliated columnar in the upper parts to simple squamous in the alveoli for efficient gas exchange.

What is the mucociliary escalator?

A mechanism of the respiratory system that uses cilia to move mucus and trapped particles out of the airways.

What are the 3 parts of the pharynx?

Nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx.

What type of epithelium lines the nasopharynx?

Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium.

What type of epithelium lines the oropharynx?

Stratified squamous epithelium.

What type of epithelium lines the laryngopharynx?

Stratified squamous epithelium.

What are the 3 large cartilages of the larynx?

Thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, arytenoid cartilages.

What is the function of the thyroid cartilage?

It forms the bulk of the larynx and protects the vocal cords.

What is the function of the cricoid cartilage?

It provides structure and support to the larynx.

What is the function of the arytenoid cartilages?

They help in the movement of the vocal cords.

How does coughing protect the glottis/vestibular fold?

Coughing clears the airway of irritants and helps prevent obstruction.

What are the 2 smaller pieces of cartilage important for sound production?

Cuneiform cartilages and corniculate cartilages.

How do the smaller cartilages work with the vocal folds?

They facilitate the tension and length of the vocal folds, influencing sound production.

What factors lead to a high pitch sound?

Tension of the vocal cords and the length of the vocal cords.

What happens to our voice during a sinus infection?

It changes due to swelling and mucus accumulation in the nasal passages affecting resonance.

Why are the cartilages of the trachea shaped like a 'C'?

They provide structural support while allowing flexibility and expansion of the trachea.

What are the primary, secondary, and tertiary bronchi?

Primary bronchi branch off the trachea, secondary bronchi enter the lungs, tertiary bronchi further branch within the lungs.

How does tissue change from primary bronchi to terminal bronchioles?

Tissue narrows and the epithelium changes from pseudostratified ciliated columnar to simple cuboidal.

What effect does sympathetic activation have on the bronchi?

It causes bronchodilation, improving airflow.

What effect does parasympathetic stimulation have on the bronchi?

It causes bronchoconstriction, reducing airflow.

What are the 3 types of cells that make up the alveoli?

Type I alveolar cells, Type II alveolar cells, and macrophages.

What is the function of Type I alveolar cells?

They facilitate gas exchange.

What is the function of Type II alveolar cells?

They produce surfactant, reducing surface tension.

What is the function of alveolar macrophages?

They help in clearing pathogens and debris from the alveoli.

What makes up the blood-air barrier?

Consists of alveolar epithelium, fused basement membranes, and capillary endothelium, allowing efficient gas exchange.

What is the cardiac notch in the lungs?

An indentation on the medial surface of the left lung to accommodate the heart.

What pleura lines the lungs?

Visceral pleura.

What pleura lines the thoracic cavity?

Parietal pleura.

What is Boyle's Law?

The pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume.

How does Boyle's Law relate to pulmonary ventilation?

As thoracic cavity volume increases, intrapulmonary pressure decreases, causing inhalation.

What does the diaphragm do?

It contracts to increase thoracic volume, aiding in inhalation.

What happens when thoracic cavity volume increases?

Lung volume increases, causing air to flow in.

What is the difference between eupnea and hyperpnea?

Eupnea is normal, quiet breathing; hyperpnea is increased breathing depth and rate.

How do the diaphragm and intercostal muscles assist with quiet breathing?

The diaphragm contracts and flattens, while intercostal muscles elevate the ribs.

What two other muscles assist with forced breathing?

Abdominal muscles and neck muscles.

What is intrapulmonary pressure?

The pressure within the alveoli during breathing cycles.

How does intrapulmonary pressure change during inhalation and exhalation?

It decreases during inhalation and increases during exhalation.

How does 'compliance' affect the ability to breathe?

Higher compliance means easier breathing; lower compliance indicates stiffer lungs.

What factors affect compliance?

Lung tissue elasticity, surface tension in the alveoli, and thoracic wall stiffness.

What is the formula for calculating respiratory minute volume?

Respiratory rate x tidal volume.

What is the formula for calculating alveolar ventilation?

(Tidal volume - dead space) x respiratory rate.

How does alveolar ventilation differ from respiratory minute volume?

Alveolar ventilation accounts for air reaching the alveoli, while minute volume includes all air inhaled.

What are the 6 different respiratory volumes?

Tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, expiratory reserve volume, residual volume, vital capacity, total lung capacity.

What is Dalton's law?

The total pressure of a gas mixture is the sum of the partial pressures of each gas.

What is Henry's law?

The amount of gas dissolved in a liquid is proportional to its partial pressure.

What is the difference between external and internal respiration?

External respiration involves gas exchange between alveoli and blood; internal respiration involves gas exchange between blood and tissues.

How do the nasal sinuses and meatuses help with the function of the respiratory system?

Nasal sinuses and meatuses help humidify and filter the air entering the respiratory system, also reducing the weight of the skull and improving resonance of voice.

How does temperature affect hemoglobin saturation?

Increased temperature leads to decreased hemoglobin saturation with oxygen. Higher temperatures promote the release of O2 from hemoglobin, enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues during periods of increased metabolic activity (like exercise).

WHAT IS HYPERCAPNIA AND HYPOCAPNIA

Hypercapnia: Elevated CO2 levels lead to increased respiratory rate in order to expel more CO2 and restore pH levels.
Hypocapnia: Decreased CO2 levels result in a reduced respiratory rate to retain CO2 and stabilize pH.