Respiratory Flashcards
(40 cards)
What are the main organs of the respiratory system?
Nose, Pharynx, Larynx, Trachea, Bronchi, Lungs (Alveoli)
What is the main function of the respiratory system?
Oversees gas exchange between blood and external environment; purifies, warms, and humidifies incoming air
Where does gas exchange occur in the lungs?
Within the alveoli
What is the only externally visible part of the respiratory system?
The nose
What divides the nasal cavity?
Nasal septum
What type of receptors are located in the nasal mucosa?
Olfactory receptors
What structures increase surface area and air turbulence in the nasal cavity?
Conchae
What bones contain paranasal sinuses?
Frontal, Sphenoid, Ethmoid, Maxillary
What are the functions of paranasal sinuses?
Lighten the skull, act as resonance chambers for speech, produce mucus
What are the three regions of the pharynx?
Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, Laryngopharynx
What is the function of the larynx (voice box)?
Routes air and food into proper channels; contains vocal cords for sound
What is the largest hyaline cartilage in the larynx?
Thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple)
What is the epiglottis and its function?
A flap of elastic cartilage that routes food to the larynx and air to the trachea
What is the trachea and its function?
Windpipe connecting larynx to bronchi; lined with ciliated mucosa to trap debris
What is the difference between the right and left primary bronchi?
Right is wider, shorter, and straighter than the left
How many lobes does each lung have?
Right lung has 3 lobes; Left lung has 2 lobes
What are the pleura of the lungs?
Visceral pleura covers lungs; parietal pleura lines thoracic cavity
What is the function of pleural fluid?
Allows lungs to glide smoothly during breathing
What are bronchioles?
Smallest branches of bronchi; end in alveoli
What makes up the alveoli structure?
Alveolar duct, alveolar sac, alveolus
What process allows gas to cross the respiratory membrane?
Diffusion
What coats alveoli and helps in gas exchange?
Surfactant
What are the two phases of pulmonary ventilation?
Inspiration and expiration
What happens during inspiration?
Diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, thoracic volume increases, air flows in
