Body Systems: Respiratory System (Lower Respiratory Tract Anatomy)

Question 1

Trachea aka “windpipe”:

Answer 1

Contains mucus-producing cells. Traps particles not trapped by nasal passage. Surrounded by semicircular cartilaginous arches —> help keep it open and prevent collapsing. Open part of semicircle faces esophagus and allows esophagus to expand when food is being swallowed.

Question 2

Bronchi:

Answer 2

-Trachea branches into two smaller passageways —> bronchi. (Singular bronchus).
-Enter left and right lungs.
-Lined with cilia and mucus producing cells.
-Contains cartilage.

Question 3

What is cartilage?

Answer 3

Cartilage is strong, flexible connective tissue.

Question 4

Bronchioles:

Answer 4

-Bronchi subdivide into smaller branches called bronchioles.
-Smooth muscle.
-Lack of cartilage.
-Lined with cilia and mucus producing cells.
-Trap foreign particles and pathogens and move them up to the respiratory tract.

Question 5

Alveoli:

Answer 5

-Each bronchiole ends in a tiny cluster of sacs called alveoli. (Singular: alveolus).
-Each lung contains about 150 million alveoli.
-One cell thick for gas diffusion.
-Surrounded by capillaries also one cell thick.
-Lined with lubricating film.
-Site of gas exchange.

Question 6

Alveoli continued:

Answer 6

•Diffusion of gases
-O2 (g) that is breathed in, moves from within the alveoli to the capillaries.
-CO2 (g) moves from the capillaries to the alveoli to be breathed out.

Question 7

Alveoli full:

Answer 7

-Each bronchiole ends in a tiny cluster of sacs called alveoli. (Singular: alveolus).
-Each lung contains about 150 million alveoli.
-One cell thick for gas diffusion.
-Surrounded by capillaries also one cell thick.
-Lined with lubricating film.
-Site of gas exchange.
•Diffusion of gases
-O2 (g) that is breathed in, moves from within the alveoli to the capillaries.
-CO2 (g) moves from the capillaries to the alveoli to be breathed out.

Question 8

Alveoli during exhalation:

Answer 8

-Alveoli collapse.
-Membranes touch.
-Don’t stick to each other due to a film of fat and protein called lipoprotein.

Question 9

Alveoli during inhalation:

Answer 9

-Alveoli reopen.
-Some babies don’t produce enough lipoprotein and have trouble opening their alveoli upon inhalation.
-This condition is known as respiratory distress syndrome.

Question 10

Pleural membrane:

Answer 10

-Surrounded outer surface of the lungs and inner wall of the chest cavity.
-Space between the pleural membrane is fluid filled.
-Prevents friction during inhalation.