Respiratory Anatomy & Histology

Flashcards created to help review key concepts from respiratory anatomy and histology, covering structures, functions, histological features, and physiological concepts.

What structures are included in the nasal cavity anatomy?

Nose, nasal cavity, hard palate, soft palate, uvula, nasal conchae.

What is the primary function of the pharynx?

To serve as a passageway for air and food.

What cartilage is known as the 'Adam's apple'?

Thyroid cartilage.

Name the parts of the pharynx from superior to inferior.

Nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx.

What structures make up the larynx?

Thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, epiglottis, true vocal folds, false vocal folds.

What is the role of the diaphragm in respiration?

It contracts to increase the volume of the thoracic cavity during inhalation.

What type of epithelium is found in the trachea?

Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium.

What type of cartilage is found in the trachea?

Hyaline cartilage.

What are the three types of bronchi?

Primary (main), secondary (lobar), tertiary (segmental) bronchi.

What are alveoli?

Small air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

How many lobes are in the right lung?

Three lobes: superior, middle, inferior.

What muscles assist with inspiration?

Diaphragm, sternocleidomastoid, scalene muscles.

What is the significance of the cardiac notch?

It is a concave space in the left lung for the heart.

What are the two pleurae surrounding the lungs?

Visceral pleura and parietal pleura.

What is the function of the alveolar ducts?

To lead air to the alveolar sacs.

What is the role of goblet cells in the trachea?

To secrete mucus that traps particles and pathogens.

What is the function of the external intercostals?

To elevate the ribs during inhalation.

What is the primary respiratory center located in the brainstem?

Medulla oblongata.

What is the primary function of the epiglottis?

To prevent food and liquids from entering the trachea.

What type of epithelium lines the respiratory bronchioles?

Simple squamous epithelium.

Where do pulmonary capillaries surround?

Alveoli, facilitating gas exchange.

What supports the trachea structurally?

C-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage.

What structures are considered part of the conducting zone?

Nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles.

What happens during the process of expiration?

The diaphragm relaxes, decreasing the thoracic volume.

How do the pulmonary arteries function in respiration?

They carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.

What is the purpose of the pleural cavity?

To reduce friction between the lungs and chest wall.

What structures are involved in the respiratory zone?

Respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, alveoli.

What is the primary role of the sinus cavities?

To lighten the skull and enhance voice resonance.

What role do the internal intercostals play in respiration?

To assist in forced expiration.

What distinguishes the right main bronchus from the left?

The right main bronchus is wider and more vertically oriented.

What are true vocal folds?

They vibrate to produce sound during phonation.

What are false (vestibular) vocal folds?

They help protect the true vocal folds and seal the airway during swallowing.

What is the importance of the pons in respiration?

It regulates the respiratory rhythm along with the medulla.

What does the term 'respiratory zone' refer to?

The region of the respiratory system where gas exchange occurs.

What happens in the alveoli during gas exchange?

Oxygen enters the blood, and carbon dioxide exits.

What are terminal bronchioles?

The smallest bronchioles that lead directly to the alveoli.

What do the scalene muscles assist in during respiration?

They elevate the first two ribs, aiding in inhalation.

What is emphysema characterized by?

Destruction of alveolar walls, leading to decreased surface area for gas exchange.

What are the main functions of the respiratory system?

To facilitate gas exchange, regulate blood pH, and produce sound.

What components make up the respiratory membrane?

Alveolar epithelium and capillary endothelium.

How do respiratory bronchioles differ from other bronchioles?

They have alveoli protruding from their walls.

What is ventilation?

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

What anatomical feature allows for the delivery of air to different lung regions?

The branching of bronchi.

How does the structure of alveoli facilitate gas exchange?

They provide a large surface area and are one cell thick.

What triggers the urge to breathe?

Rising levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.

How do the lungs help regulate body temperature?

By warming and humidifying inhaled air.

What is the role of cilia in the trachea?

To move mucus and trapped particles out of the respiratory tract.

What skeletal muscles are involved in forced expiration?

Internal intercostals and abdominal muscles.

What conditions can affect the pleura?

Pleural effusion and pleurisy.

What anatomical feature prevents food from entering the trachea?

The epiglottis.

What can be seen under a microscope in normal lung tissue?

Simple squamous epithelium lining the alveoli.

What factors contribute to lung compliance?

Elasticity of lung tissue and surface tension in alveoli.

What is the function of respiratory mucosa?

To warm, humidify, and filter the air entering the respiratory system.

How are gases exchanged in the alveoli?

Through diffusion across the respiratory membrane.

What happens to lung volume during inhalation?

Lung volume increases as the diaphragm contracts.

What is the primary stimulus for the respiratory drive in a healthy individual?

Carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

How does hyperventilation affect blood pH?

It can lead to respiratory alkalosis by decreasing carbon dioxide levels.

What respiratory muscles are primarily used during passive expiration?

None; it is a passive process.

What is the function of the nasal conchae?

To increase the surface area for warming and humidifying air.

What is tidal volume?

The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing.

How does the respiratory system work with the circulatory system?

By facilitating gas exchange between blood and air.

What structure separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity?

Diaphragm.

What is the purpose of the mediastinum?

To separate the lungs and house the heart and other structures.

What is inspiration?

The process of drawing air into the lungs.

What is expiration?

The process of expelling air from the lungs.

How are pulmonary veins different from pulmonary arteries?

Pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood to the heart, while arteries carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs.

What is the resting position of the diaphragm in normal breathing?

It is relaxed and dome-shaped.

What anatomical feature is essential for sound production?

Vocal folds.

What connects the trachea to the lungs?

Bronchi.

What is the primary function of the pleural membranes?

To facilitate movement and decrease friction during breathing.