Lecture and Lab Notes for Unit 2: Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems

Lecture and Lab Checklist for Unit 2 Outside vs Inside of the Body

  • Understanding Substance Location
    • Grasp the concept of distinguishing between what is inside vs outside the body.
    • Recognize transitions during physiological/pathological events.

Respiratory System

  • Functions of the Respiratory System

    • Major Functions:
    • Gas exchange, oxygen supply, vocalization, regulation of blood pH.
    • Processes:
    • Ventilation: Movement of air in and out of the lungs.
    • Pulmonary gas exchange: Exchange of gases between alveoli and blood.
    • Tissue gas exchange: Exchange between blood and tissues.

  • Structures of the Respiratory System

    • Anatomical Division:
    • Upper respiratory tract: Nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx.
    • Lower respiratory tract: Trachea, bronchi, lungs.
    • Respiratory Structures Passage:
    • Order of structures: nasal cavity → pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → lungs.

Lab Identification

  • Upper Respiratory Tract Structures:

    • Nasal conchae, epiglottis, larynx, trachea, olfactory epithelium, thyroid & cricoid cartilages, meatuses, hard & soft palates.

  • Lower Respiratory Tract Structures:

    • Larynx, vocal folds, trachea, bronchial tree components (primary, secondary, tertiary bronchi, alveoli).

  • Functions of Larynx:

    • Voice production, airway protection, and conduction of air.

  • Trachea Features:

    • Anatomical: C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings for support.
    • Microscopic: Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium to trap particles.

  • Gas Exchange Location: Alveoli; gas exchange happens through the respiratory membrane (alveolar and capillary walls).

Lungs

  • Pleura and Pleural Cavity:
    • Visceral vs parietal layers, serous fluid functions, pleural cavity importance.
  • Comparison of Lungs:
    • Differences: Left lung has two lobes (due to heart position), right lung has three lobes.

Clinical Anatomy

  • Changes due to:
    • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
    • Emphysema
    • Lung cancer.

Cardiovascular System

Blood & Heart

  • Functions of Cardiovascular System:

    • Transport nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones, and waste products.

  • Blood Composition:

    • Plasma, erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), platelets.

  • Erythrocytes:

    • Carry oxygen and carbon dioxide; life cycle includes production in bone marrow and destruction in spleen.

  • Leukocytes Functions:

    • Five types: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils with various immune functions.

  • Platelet Function:

    • Initiate clotting; produced in bone marrow from megakaryocytes.

Heart Anatomy

  • Position in Thoracic Cavity:

    • Located in the mediastinum, between lungs, tilted to the left.

  • Heart Walls:

    • Three layers: epicardium, myocardium, endocardium.
    • Atria vs ventricles: Atria receive blood; ventricles pump blood out.

  • Electrical Conduction System:

    • Order: SA node → AV node → Bundle of His → Purkinje fibers; crucial for synchronized contraction.

Circulation of the Heart

  • Path of Blood:

    • Oxygen-poor blood enters right atrium → right ventricle → pulmonary arteries → lungs; oxygen-rich blood returns to left atrium → left ventricle → aorta to body.

  • Types of Circulation:

    • Pulmonary circulation (to lungs) vs systemic circulation (to body).

Blood Vessels

  • Types of Vessels:

    • Arteries (carry blood away from heart), veins (carry blood to heart), capillaries (exchange vessels).

  • Vessel Structure:

    • Tunics: 1) Tunica intima (inner, endothelial), 2) Tunica media (muscle, thicker in arteries), 3) Tunica externa (outer, connective tissue).

  • Valves in Veins:

    • Prevent backflow, aid in venous return with muscle contractions.

Clinical Anatomy

  • Diseases:
    • Atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, venous disorders (varicose veins).

Developmental Anatomy

  • Differences in Circulation:
    • Fetal vs postnatal: ductus arteriosus, foramen ovale, umbilical vessels changes at birth.

Lymphatic System

  • Major Functions:

    • Fluid balance, lipid absorption, immune response.

  • Comparison with Blood Vessels:

    • Lymphatic vessels have more valves, thinner walls, and are more permeable.
    • Path of Lymph:
    • Interstitial space → lymphatic capillaries → vessels → ducts → bloodstream.

  • Lymphatic Tissues and Organs:

    • Differences in nodules (e.g., MALT) and nodes; function of thymus, spleen, and tonsils explained.

Lab Identification of Lymphatic Structures

  • Right lymphatic duct, thoracic duct, cisterna chyli, tonsils, lymph nodes, spleen.