Test 7 - part 3 - NMSM

Respiratory System

The first physiologic function of the respiratory system is...

Exchange of gases.

Second physiologic function of the respiratory system...

Olfaction, the sense of smell.

Third physiologic function of the respiratory system...

Sound production.

Fourth physiologic function of the respiratory system...

Maintains homeostasis.

Conchae

Ridged projections in the walls of the nasal cavity.

Nasal cavity nickname

"the air conditioning chambers."

Paranasal sinuses (sinuses)

Air-filled spaces located in the skull that are lined with mucosa and open into the nasal cavities.

Maxillary sinuses

These are the largest and are inferior to the cheeks and superior to the teeth.

Pharynx (throat)

The muscular tube extending from the nasal cavity to the larynx.

Larynx (voice box)

Connects the pharynx to the trachea.

Glottis

Larynx structure that contains the vocal cords, or vocal folds.

Epiglottis

Larynx structure, the "guardian of the airways."

Trachea (windpipe)

Anterior to the esophagus and connects the larynx to the bronchi.

Trachea consists of

16-21 C shaped cartilaginous rings, at regular intervals.

Carina

Point of bifurcation of the trachea, cartilaginous.

Bronchi

Lead from the trachea to the right and left lung, respectively.

The right bronchus is...

Wider, has a steeper downward angle compared with the left. Because of this, inhaled objects lodge on the right side more often.

Alveoli

Air sacs and the site of gas exchange in the lungs.

Respiratory membrane

The alveolar epithelium, the basement membrane, and the capillary endothelium, collectively.

Surfactants

Assist gas exchange by stabilizing the alveoli and reducing surface tension.

Lungs

The main organ of respiration.

Visceral pleura and parietal pleura

Between the two membranes is a lubricating serous fluid, which reduces friction between the membranes as the lungs move during breathing.

Diaphragm

Main muscle of respiration.

Breathing (respiratory cycle)

The process used to move air in and out of the lungs.

Medulla oblongata

Contains the respiratory center, which regulates breathing. Has a role in respiration.

How long individuals can hold their breath is largely determined by...

Elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream.

Inhalation (inspiration)

The process is moving air into the lungs.

Compliance

The ease with which the thorax and lungs are able to stretch during inhalation.

Elastic recoil

The tendency of the thorax and lungs to return to their preinhalation size.

hiccups or hiccoughs

Spasmodic closures of the vocal cords after forceful contracting of respiratory muscles to assist the removal of air from the stomach.

The pathway of air through the respiratory system is...

Nose → Nasal cavity → Pharynx → Larynx → Trachea → Bronchi → Bronchioles → Alveoli → Lungs