Anatomy Respiratory System

Upper respiratory system

Nose, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx

Lower respiratory system

Larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs

Functional zones of respiratory tract

Two portions

Conducting (Carry air to/from lungs)

Respiratory (Small brochioles and alveoli, where gas exchange occurs)

Nasopharynx

Most superior part of pharynx zone

Ciliated respiratory epitheium

Tonsils, auditory tubes

Oropharynx

Middle

Stratified squamous

Palatine tonsil, lingual tonsil

Laryngopharynx

Stratified squamous

Respiratory Membrane (Where difusion takes Place)

Three layers: Alveolar epithelium, Capillary endothelium (simple squamous), fused basement membranes (under alveoli, endo)

Types of alveoli cells

Type 1 pneumocytes (thin simple squamous)

Roaming alveolar macrophages

Septal cells (surfactant)

Surfactant

Greasy phospholipid interacts with water

Slimes surface of alveoli

Prevents alveolar collapse

Lack: respiratory distress syndrome in infants

Pulmonary embolisms

Blood pressure in pulmonary blood circuit is low

Masses/clots can easily block pulmonary artery branch, stopping blood flow to lobules

High activity of ACE

High blood pressure

Pneumothorax

Breaks fluid connection between pleural layer when alveoli is damaged, parietal pleura is punctured

Lung collapse: Atelectasis

Hemothorax

Blood accumulating in pleural cavity

Compliance

Ability for lungs to stretch

Elastance

Lungs resist being deformed and return to resting state

Lungs should have both high e and c