Respiratory System Review

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to the respiratory system as discussed in the lecture.

Capillary Permeability

The ability of capillaries to allow fluids and small molecules to pass through their walls, causing leaky conditions, which can lead to pain and swelling.

Interferons

Proteins released by virally infected cells that help to prevent viral replication in healthy, noninfected cells.

Perforins

Proteins released by cytotoxic T cells that create pores in the membranes of pathogens, aiding in their destruction.

Plasma Cells

Derivative of B cells that function to produce antibodies as part of the immune response.

T Cells Activation Steps

T cells must undergo antigen binding and co-stimulation to become activated.

Tracheal Cartilages

Rings of cartilage that maintain the structural integrity of the trachea, preventing it from collapsing.

Trachealis Muscle

Muscle in the posterior aspect of the trachea that allows flexibility and expansion for the esophagus.

Cilia

Hair-like structures that line the respiratory tract, helping move mucus and trapped particles out of the airways.

Lobes of the Right Lung

The right lung has three lobes: superior, middle, and inferior.

Terminal Bronchiole

The last structure in the conducting zone of the respiratory system before air reaches the respiratory zone.

Respiratory Bronchii

Bronchial structures that connect the conducting zone to the respiratory zone and contain alveoli.

Alveoli

Small air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, surrounded by capillaries.

Surfactant

A substance secreted by type II alveolar cells that reduces surface tension in the alveoli to prevent their collapse.

Respiratory Membrane

The combined structures of the alveolar epithelium and capillary endothelium where gas exchange occurs.

Intrapleural Pressure

The pressure within the pleural cavity, which is always lower than intrapulmonary pressure to prevent lung collapse.

Intrapulmonary Pressure

The pressure within the lungs, which is equal to atmospheric pressure when the lungs are at rest.

Cardiac Notch

An indentation in the left lung to accommodate the heart, resulting in fewer lobes compared to the right lung.

What type of tissue is involved in gas exchange in the lungs?

The tissue type involved in gas exchange in the lungs is primarily simple squamous epithelium, found in the alveoli.

What are alveoli?

Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs surrounded by capillaries; they are the sites of gas exchange, where oxygen enters the blood, and carbon dioxide is removed.

Why is simple squamous epithelium suited for gas exchange?

Simple squamous epithelium is suited for gas exchange because it is one cell layer thick, allowing for rapid diffusion of gases.

Why does the left lung have only 2 lobes?

The left lung has only two lobes due to the presence of the heart, which occupies space on the left side of the thoracic cavity, necessitating a smaller lung size.

What is the conducting zone in the respiratory system?

The conducting zone consists of airways that transport air to the lungs, including the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles, without participating in gas exchange.

How does the structure of airways change as you move down the conducting zone?

As you move down the conducting zone, airways progressively decrease in diameter; the trachea divides into bronchi, which further divide into smaller bronchi and bronchioles, leading to a significant decrease in cartilage and an increase in smooth muscle.

What happens to the epithelium type in the conducting zone as you progress down?

The epithelium in the conducting zone changes from pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium in the trachea and larger bronchi to simple columnar and eventually simple cuboidal epithelium in terminal bronchioles as you move down.

What is the role of the smooth muscle that increases in the bronchioles?

The increased smooth muscle in the bronchioles allows for regulation of airflow through bronchoconstriction and bronchodilation, which is important for maintaining optimal airflow to the alveoli.

What is the final structure of the conducting zone?

The final structure of the conducting zone is the terminal bronchioles, which lead into the respiratory zone where gas exchange begins with the alveoli.

What surrounds the terminal bronchioles?

The terminal bronchioles are surrounded by smooth muscle and elastic fibers, which provide structural support and allow for regulation of airflow.

What surrounds the respiratory bronchioles?

The respiratory bronchioles are also surrounded by smooth muscle and elastic fibers but are distinguished by having alveoli budding from their walls, marking the beginning of the respiratory zone where gas exchange occurs.

What is the cardiac notch?

The cardiac notch is a concave region located on the left lung's surface, where the heart slightly indents, allowing for a space that accommodates the heart's position.

What is the visceral pleura?

The visceral pleura is the membrane that covers the surface of the lungs, providing a protective layer that is in direct contact with lung tissue.

What is the parietal pleura?

The parietal pleura is the membrane that lines the chest wall and the diaphragm, serving as a protective layer for the thoracic cavity.

How does oxygen move from alveoli to capillaries?

Oxygen moves from the alveoli to the capillaries through the process of diffusion, where it passes through the alveolar and capillary walls into the bloodstream due to a concentration gradient.

What are Type 1 alveolar cells?

Type 1 alveolar cells, also known as pneumocytes, are thin, flat cells that make up the majority of the alveolar walls and are responsible for the diffusion of gases.

What are Type 2 alveolar cells?

Type 2 alveolar cells produce surfactant, a substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse and aiding in gas exchange.

What is the function of surfactant produced by Type 2 alveolar cells?

Surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli, which helps keep them open and enhances the efficiency of gas exchange.

How do Type 1 and Type 2 alveolar cells work together?

Type 1 alveolar cells facilitate gas exchange by providing a large surface area, while Type 2 alveolar cells maintain alveolar stability with surfactant, ensuring proper respiratory function.

Where does gas exchange occur in the lungs?

Gas exchange occurs in the lungs between the alveoli and lung capillaries, as well as across the respiratory membrane.

What are the two main locations for gas exchange in the body?

Gas exchange occurs in the lungs and at body tissues throughout the circulatory system.

What is the respiratory membrane?

The respiratory membrane is the thin barrier formed by alveolar and capillary walls that facilitates gas exchange between the air in the alveoli and the blood in the capillaries.