LPN Chapter 15: Respiratory

Function of the Respiratory System

Supply the body with oxygen and dispose of carbon dioxide

The Respiratory System effectively filters, ______, and _________ the air we breathe.

Warms, humidifies

Purpose of Alveoli and Gas Exchange Process

Helps to provide gas exchange between blood and cells. Diffusion takes place for this process.

Structures in the Upper Respiratory Tract

Nose, Pharynx, and Larynx

Structure Referred to as the Throat

Pharynx

Structures in the Lower Respiratory Tract

Trachea, all segments of the bronchial tree, and Lungs

Lowest Segment of the Pharynx

Laryngopharynx

Secretion Produced by the Membrane Lining of the Respiratory Tract

Mucus

Importance of Mucus Lining in the Respiratory Tract

Serves as an air purification system

Microscopic Structures Assisting Mucus Movement in Lungs

Cilia

Where are the Nerve Endings Responsible for Olfactory Located?

Sense of smell, located in the nasal mucosa.

What is the Purpose of the Nasal Turbinate/Conchae?

Humidifies the air that we breathe in.

Why Do You Get a Runny Nose When You Cry?

The extra tears drain into our nose, moistening the tears.

How Does Sinusitis Occur?

When the nasal cavities become inflamed.

What are the 3 Different Parts of the Pharynx?

Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, Laryngopharynx.

What are the Auditory Tubes Connected to?

Tubes of the ear, they connect the middle ear with the nasopharynx.

Where are the Vocal Cords Located and How Do They Work?

Stretch across the interior of the larynx, they help to provide speech.

The Windpipe is Known as the _____ and Extends from the Larynx to the _____ in the Chest Cavity.

Trachea, bronchi.

What Helps Hold the Trachea Open?

15 or 20 C-shaped rings of cartilage.

List the Bronchial Tree Airway from the Trachea Down:

Right Bronchus, Left Bronchus, Secondary bronchus, Bronchioles, Alveolar ducts, Alveolar sacs, Alveoli.

How many Alveoli are there?

Millions

What is Surfactant and what does it do?

Substance covering the surface of the respiratory membrane inside each alveolus. Reduces the stickiness of the mucus lining the alveoli to keep them from collapsing

What causes Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome (IRDS)?

Lack of surfactant in the lungs of premature infants

How many Lobes does the Left Lung have?

2 lobes

How many Lobes does the Right Lung have?

3 lobes

What is the Pleura and what does it do?

Covers the outer surface of each lung to keep it moist and slippery

What is the Parietal Pleura?

Lines the walls of the thoracic cavity

What is the Visceral Pleura?

Covers the lungs

What is the Intrapleural Space?

Space between parietal and visceral pleura

What is the difference in Internal and External Respiration?

External is the exchange of gases between air in the lungs and in the blood. Internal is systematic gas exchange and cellular respiration

What is the Diaphragm?

Dome-shaped muscle separating the abdominal cavity from the thoracic cavity. Considered an inspiration muscle.

What are the Expiratory Muscles?

Internal intercostal muscles and abdominal muscles.

What is Tidal Volume?

Volume of air inhaled in a single breath.

What is Vital Capacity?

Volume of air exhaled after a maximal inhalation.

What is the Normal Respiratory Rate at rest?

12-18 breaths per minute.

What Brain Part Controls Breathing?

Brainstem-Medulla.

What Acts as a Respiratory Stimulant?

Chemoreceptors.

Where are the Respiratory Control Centers?

Located in the medulla.

What are Cheyne-Stokes Respirations?

Periods of apnea alternating with hyperventilation.

What is Pulmonary Circulation?

Circulation between the heart and lungs

What is Systemic Circulation?

Circulation between the heart and body

Epiglottis

Flap that covers the trachea during swallowing

Larynx

Voice box

Pharynx

Throat

Lung

Main organ of the respiratory system. Found in air-breathing vertebrates, it exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide with the blood

Diaphragm

Muscle that separates the chest from the abdominal cavity

Trachea

Main airway leading to the lungs

Bronchiole Tube

One of the two tubes that carry air from the windpipe to the lungs

Bronchiole

Small tube in the respiratory system

Air Sac

Thin-walled structure for gas exchange

Broncho

Tube connecting windpipe to lungs

Alveol

Structure where gas exchange occurs

Pneumothorax

Collapsed lung

Inspiration

Diaphragm contracts and flattens. External intercostals contract. Volume of the chest cavity increases, pressure decreases, drawing air into the lungs

Expiration

Internal intercostals contract. Abdominal muscles contract, abdominal organs push against underside of the diaphragm, making it dome-shaped. Volume decreases in the thoracic cavity, pressure increases, and air flows out of the lungs

What is the function of the epiglottis?

Seals off the windpipe and prevents food from entering

What is the function of the bronchi?

Carry air from the trachea into the lungs

Explain the role of the alveolar sacs in gas exchange

Site where oxygen from the air is absorbed into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is released from the bloodstream into the air

What is the purpose of the phrenic nerve in respiration?

Controls the movement of the diaphragm, aiding in breathing