Functional Anatomy of the Respiratory System

The Respiratory system notes study

Nasal Cavity

Filters, warms, and humidifies the air before it enters the lungs.

Pharynx

Serves as a pathway for both air and food, connecting the nasal cavity to the larynx.

Larynx

Contains the vocal cords and is responsible for sound production, and protecting the trachea against food aspiration.

Trachea

U-shaped tube that connects the larynx to the lungs; also known as the windpipe.

Bronchi

Carry air to and from the lungs.

Alveoli

Where gas exchanges occur between the blood and external environment; involved in exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide during breathing.

Respiratory mucosa

Lining of the nasal cavity that moistens air and traps incoming foreign particles.

Paranasal Sinuses

Cavities within the frontal, sphenoid, ethmoid, and maxillary bones surrounding the nasal cavity.

Frontal sinuses

Located within the frontal bone, above the eyebrows.

Sphenoid sinuses

Situated deep within the sphenoid bone, behind the nasal cavity.

Ethmoid sinuses

A group of small air cells within the ethmoid bone, between the eyes and nose.

Maxillary sinuses

The largest sinuses, found within the maxillary bone, below the eyes and in the cheek area.

Epiglottis

Routes food and air; during swallowing, it rises and forms a lid over the opening of the larynx.

Pulmonary Ventilation

The process of moving air in and out of the lungs.

External respiration

Gas exchange between the blood and alveoli.

Respiratory gas transport

Transportation of gases, like carbon dioxide, via the bloodstream.

Internal respiration

Gas exchange between blood and tissue cells in systemic capillaries.

Forced expiration

A controlled exhalation primarily relying on internal intercostal muscle contraction to depress the rib cage.