S1 The Respiratory System Flashcards
What forms the upper respiratory tract?
The parts of the respiratory system lying outside the thorax.
Nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx
What forms the lower respiratory tract?
The parts of the respiratory system lying inside the thorax.
From trachea to alveoli
Describe the role of external intercostal muscles in ventilation
Mainly found posteriorly, used in inspiration
Fibres run Downwards and Anteriorly
Action elevates the ribs in a ‘bucket handle’ type movement
Describe the role of internal intercostal muscles in ventilation
Used during forced expiration
Fibres run Downwards and Posteriorly
Action pulls the ribs down
Describe the role of the innermost intercostal muscles in ventilation
Used during forced expiration, mainly found on the lateral side
What are the openings of the diaphragm? What is the nerve supply?
T8 – Vena Cava
T10 – Oesophagus
T12 – Aorta (Aortic hiatus)
Nerve supply is from the Phrenic Nerve (C3-5)
Where within the intercostal space would you insert a chest drain?
At the upper border of the lower rib, as the intercostal VAN runs along the lower border of ribs
Describe the anatomy of the right and left lung
Right: 3 lobes separated by horizontal and oblique fissure
Left: 2 lobes separated by the oblique fissure
What is the pleura and its layers?
The pleura is a serous membrane.
The Parietal Pleura (outermost) lines the inside of the thoracic cage
The Visceral Pleura lines the outside of the lung.
What is the innervation of the pleura?
Parietal: both somatic (Intercostal and Phrenic nerves) and autonomic.
Visceral: has no somatic innervation, only autonomic (Vagus and Sympathetic fibres).
What is the pleural cavity and its function?
The pleural cavity is a potential space between the two layers of pleura. The pleural fluid in between allows the two layers to slide on one another, thus allowing movement of the lung against the chest wall while breathing.
What is the epithelia of the respiratory tact?
Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium
