Respiratory Physiology

Question 1

Functions of the respiratory system

Answer 1

Exchange of gases between the atmosphere and the blood (ventilation)
Cellular metabolism (respiration)
Homeostatic regulation of systemic pH
Protection from inhaled pathogens and irritating substances
Vocalization

Question 2

Respiratory system structure-

Answer 2

Conducting system
Alveoli
Bones of muscle and thorax

Question 3

Principles of bulk flow-

Answer 3

Flow from regions of higher pressure to lower pressure
Muscular pump creates pressure gradients
Resistance to flow
Diameter of tubes

Question 4

Components of the upper respiratory tract

Answer 4

Nasal cavity
Pharynx
Tongue
Vocal cords
Esophagus 
Larynx

Question 5

Component of the lower respiratory tract

Answer 5

Trachea
Right lung
Left lung
Right bronchus 
Left bronchus 
Diaphragm

Question 6

Muscles of inspiration

Answer 6

Sternocleidomastoids
Scalenes
External intercostals
Diaphragm

Question 7

Muscles of expiration

Answer 7

Internal intercostals

Abdominal muscles

Question 8

What are the branches of the Airways?

Answer 8

Larynx 
Trachea 
Left/right primary bronchus 
Secondary bronchus 
Bronchiole
Alveoli

Question 9

What are the structures of the alveolar?

Answer 9

Cilia
Goblet cells
Lumen
Respiratory epithelium

Question 10

What are the types of alveolar cell?

Answer 10

Type I - alveolar cells for gas exchange
Type II - alveolar cell (surfactant cell) synthesises surfactant
Elastic fibers
Endothelial cell of Capillaries
Alveolar macrophage ingest foreign material

Question 11

What are the three gas laws?

Answer 11

1 - the total pressure of a mixture of gases is the sum of the pressures of the individual gases (Dalton’s law)
2 - gases, singly or in a mixture, move from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure
3 - if the volume of a container of gas changes, the pressure of gas will change in an inverse manner (Boyle’s law)