Lecture 21 (General Information)

Question 1

What are major functions of the Respiratory System?

Answer 1

• Provide an extensive surface area for gas exchange between air and circulating blood
• Protects respiratory surface from dehydration, temperature changes, or other environmental variations and other tissues from invasion by pathogens
• Produces sounds involved in speaking, singing and other forms of communications
• Facilitates detection of olfactory stimuli (smell) by olfactory receptors

Question 2

Briefly describe the Upper Respiratory System

Answer 2

• Filters warms and humidifies incoming air
• Protects the more delicate surfaces of the lower respiratory system
• Reabsorbs the heat and water from outgoing air

Question 3

Briefly describe the Lower Respiratory System

Answer 3

• Conducts air to and from the gas exchange surfaces

Question 4

What is the Upper Respiratory System composed of?

Answer 4

Nose, Pharynx, Larynx

Question 5

What is the Lower Respiratory System composed of?

Answer 5

Trachea, Bronchi & Alveoli, Lungs, Thorax