Respitory sytstem

Functions of the respiratory system

Air passageway, oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, sound production, odor detection.

Structural organization of respiratory system

Upper respiratory tract includes larynx and above; lower respiratory tract includes trachea and below.

What is the conducting zone?

Transports air from the nose to the terminal bronchioles.

What is the respiratory zone?

Participates in gas exchange, ranging from respiratory bronchioles to alveoli.

What is respiratory mucosa?

Mucous lining of the respiratory tract composed of epithelium and connective tissue.

What happens to epithelium in the respiratory tract?

It becomes progressively thinner from the nasal cavity to the alveoli.

What is the function of mucus in the respiratory tract?

Traps inhaled dust, microorganisms, and dirt particles, providing defense against infections.

Difference between Conducting and Respiratory Zones?

The conducting zone transports air; the respiratory zone participates in gas exchange.

Is the trachea part of the upper or lower respiratory tract?

The trachea is part of the lower respiratory tract.

Describe the structure of the nose.

The nose is formed by bone, hyaline cartilage, and connective tissue, serving as the first structure of the conducting passageway.

Describe the nasal cavity.

An oblong shape extending from the nostrils to choanae, with a floor formed by the palate.

What are paranasal sinuses?

Four paired sinuses that connect to the nasal cavity and are lined with ciliated epithelium.

What are the regions of the pharynx?

Nasopharynx (respiratory only), Oropharynx (passage for food and air), Laryngopharynx (passage for food and air).

What are vibrissae?

Hairs in the nasal cavity that trap microbes.

Where is the middle nasal meatus located?

Between the middle and inferior nasal conchae.

Where are the pharyngeal tonsils located?

In the posterior wall of the nasopharynx.

What is the function of the larynx?

Functions as a throat and is a passageway for air.

How does the larynx produce sound?

Vocal folds vibrate as air passes over them during expiration.

Structure of the trachea

A flexible, tubular organ connecting the larynx to the main bronchi with C-shaped cartilage rings.

What is the carina?

An internal ridge at the inferior end of the trachea that triggers a cough reflex.

What is the bronchial tree?

A branching system including main bronchi, lobar bronchi, and segmental bronchi leading to bronchioles.

What is bronchoconstriction?

Muscle constriction that narrows bronchioles diameter, reducing airflow.

What is bronchodilation?

Muscle relaxation that increases bronchioles diameter, allowing more airflow.

Describe the respiratory bronchioles.

The smallest bronchioles lined with simple cuboidal epithelium and involved in limited gas exchange.