Pharm 111 Week 1 Study Guide

What are the main divisions of the respiratory system?

Conducting portion and Respiratory portion

What are the primary components of the respiratory system?

Nose, Pharynx, Larynx, Trachea, Bronchi, Lungs, Bronchioles, Alveoli

List the functions of the respiratory system.

Air delivery, Filtering, Warming, Humidifying, Protection

What lines the conducting airways in the upper respiratory system?

Respiratory mucosa with ciliated columnar epithelium and mucus-producing cells.

What is the vallecula?

An important depression between the tongue base and epiglottis.

What cartilages does the larynx contain?

Thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis.

Where does the trachea branch into primary bronchi?

At the carina.

What is the difference between the right and left primary bronchi?

The right primary bronchus is larger and at a steeper angle, leading to a higher risk for aspiration.

Describe the branching pattern of the bronchi.

Primary → Secondary (Lobar) → Tertiary (Segmental) bronchi.

How many lobes and segments are in the right lung?

3 lobes and 10 segments.

How many lobes and segments are in the left lung?

2 lobes and 8-10 segments.

Approximately how many alveoli are there per lung?

Approximately 150 million.

What is the surface area of alveoli equivalent to?

Half a tennis court.

What are the types of key cells in the alveoli?

Type I pneumocytes (gas exchange), Type II pneumocytes (surfactant production), Alveolar macrophages (immune defense).

What do the pores of Kohn allow?

Inter-alveolar air movement.

What law do breathing mechanics follow?

Boyle's Law (pressure-volume relationship).

Which muscle is responsible for 75% of breathing effort?

Diaphragm.

What is the primary process during inspiration?

Active process.

What type of process is normal expiration?

Passive process.

Where is the primary breathing control center located?

In the medulla.

What regulates breathing chemically?

Central chemoreceptors (sensitive to CO₂ and H⁺) and Peripheral chemoreceptors (sensitive to O₂).

What is the primary regulator of breathing?

PaCO₂.

What is hypoxemia?

Decreased blood O₂ (PaO₂ < 80 mmHg).

What is hypoxia?

Decreased tissue O₂.