Physiology Week 11 Flashcards
(19 cards)
What are the components of the upper respiratory tract?
Nose, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, larynx.
What are the components of the lower respiratory tract?
Trachea, bronchial tree, lungs.
What is the difference between the conducting zone and the respiratory zone?
The conducting zone moves air in and out (trachea, bronchi, bronchioles), while the respiratory zone (alveoli) is where gas exchange occurs.
What type of epithelium lines most of the respiratory tract?
Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with goblet cells.
What is the function of goblet cells?
They produce mucus to trap debris and pathogens.
What is the mucociliary escalator?
Cilia move mucus and trapped particles towards the esophagus to be swallowed.
List three functions of the respiratory mucosa.
Traps bacteria and debris.
Kills pathogens with enzymes.
What are the two pleural layers surrounding the lungs?
Parietal pleura (lines thoracic cavity).
Visceral pleura (covers the lungs).
What is the function of pleural fluid?
It reduces friction and helps keep the lungs inflated.
Where are the visceral and parietal pleura continuous with each other?
At the hilum of the lung.
What are the lobes of the right and left lungs?
Right lung: Three lobes (superior, middle, inferior).
Left lung: Two lobes (superior, inferior).
What is the order of the bronchial tree?
Primary (main) bronchi
Secondary (lobar) bronchi
Tertiary (segmental) bronchi
Bronchioles
What are the components of the respiratory membrane?
Alveolar epithelium (Type I pneumocytes).
Fused basement membranes.
Capillary endothelial cells.
What is the function of Type I pneumocytes?
Facilitate gas exchange.
What is the function of Type II pneumocytes?
Secrete surfactant to prevent alveolar collapse.
What are dust cells?
Alveolar macrophages that remove debris and pathogens.
What is the role of surfactant in the lungs?
Reduces surface tension to prevent alveolar collapse.
What is surfactant made of?
Mainly phospholipids.
How does surfactant improve lung function?
It increases lung compliance, making breathing easier.
