Respiratory Anatomy, Histology, and Physiology, and Clinical Application

Cough Management

If a cough cannot be resolved with a humidifier, a cough suppressant may be used, especially if the cough is non-productive and disrupts sleep.

Hyaline Cartilage Visual Appearance

Hyaline cartilage is visualized as 'googly eyes' or 'fat little cells sitting inside of bubbles'.

Lacunae

The 'bubbles' where cartilage cells (chondrocytes) reside.

Chondrocytes

Cells that sit within the lacunae of hyaline cartilage.

Extracellular Matrix of Hyaline Cartilage

The matrix surrounding chondrocytes has a translucent or glassy appearance, characteristic of hyaline cartilage.

Respiratory Mucosa Cilia

Cilia are hair-like projections that push mucus along the respiratory tract and can be paralyzed by various factors.

Goblet Cells

Specialized cells in the respiratory mucosa that produce mucus.

MALT (Mucosa Associated Lymphatic Tissue)

Lymphatic tissue found underneath the respiratory mucosa, acting as a transit point for lymphocytes.

Lobes of the Lung

The left lung has 2 lobes and is smaller due to the heart's position; the right lung has 3 lobes.

Auscultation Techniques

The superior lobe is best auscultated on the upper chest; the inferior lobe is heard between the scapulae, and the middle lobe requires lateral stethoscope placement.

Right Primary Bronchus

The steeper and larger bronchus, more susceptible to aspiration.

Bronchial Divisions

Bronchi are divided into primary (main), secondary, and tertiary branches.

Alveoli

The sites of gas exchange in the lungs, lined with simple squamous epithelium, known as Type 1 cells.

Pulmonary Arteriole

Carries deoxygenated blood from the right heart to the lungs.

Pulmonary Venule

Carries oxygenated blood from the alveoli back to the left heart.

Parietal Pleura

Carries oxygenated blood from the alveoli back to the left heart.

Visceral Pleura

The membrane lining the external surface of the lung.

Mechanics of Breathing

When the diaphragm contracts, it increases thoracic volume, causing air to flow in; when it relaxes, it pushes air out.

Rib Cage Function

Ribs move like a bucket handle; their movement increases thoracic diameter for deeper inhalation.

Left Primary Bronchus

The bronchus that is oriented more horizontally compared to the right primary bronchus.

Aspiration

The entry of foreign material into the airways, often more likely to occur in the right primary bronchus due to its vertical orientation.

Conduction Zone

The part of the respiratory system that includes passageways from the trachea down to the early bronchioles, primarily conducting air.

Laryngospasm

A spasm that causes closure of the vocal folds in the larynx, preventing air movement.

Bronchospasm

Constriction of the bronchioles that can severely restrict airflow, potentially causing respiratory distress.

Alveolar Duct

A passageway in the respiratory zone that is densely covered in alveoli, making it difficult to distinguish from the surrounding tissue.

Alveolar Sac

A structure resembling a 'cul de sac' that is surrounded by multiple alveoli, facilitating gas exchange.

Pleural Cavity

he potential space between the parietal pleura and visceral pleura in the thoracic cavity.