Respiratory Anatomy

Question 1

Why is the respiratory system important in the maintenance of homeostasis?

Answer 1

To obtain oxygen for cellular use and eliminate the carbon dioxide produced by cells in order to also maintain the pH.

Question 2

True or false

In physiology, respiration is simply the process of breathing in and out.

Answer 2

False

In physiology, respiration consists of 2 related processes: cellular respiration and external respiration ( cardiovascular system).

Question 3

True or false

Cellular metabolic reactions don’t continuously take place within the mitochondria when oxygen is needed to produce ATP.

Answer 3

False

They do so continuously

Question 4

Define cellular respiration

Answer 4

The intracellular processes happening within the mitochondria, which use oxygen and produce carbon dioxide while deriving energy from nutrients.

Question 5

Define the respiration quotient (RQ)

Answer 5

The ratio of carbon dioxide produced to oxygen consumed.

RQ= carbon dioxide produced ÷ oxygen consumed

Question 6

Define external respiration

Answer 6

The entire sequence of events in exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between external environment and cells.

Question 7

How is the cardiovascular system involved with the respiratory system?

Answer 7

Transports gases in the blood between lungs and the cells

Question 8

What are the 3 functions of the respiratory system?

Answer 8

1. Oxygen intake (inspiration)
2. Carbon dioxide elimination (expiration)
3. Provide for gas exchange

Question 9

What is respiration?

Answer 9

The exchange of gases between the atmosphere, blood and cells

Question 10

What are the 3 processes of respiration?

Answer 10

1. Pulmonary ventilation (inflow and outflow of air between the atmosphere and the lungs)
2. External respiration (exchange of gases between the atmosphere and blood) ( fig 13.1)
3. Internal respiration ( exchange of gases between blood cells and intracellular metabolism)

Question 11

What are the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory system?

Answer 11

1. Water loss and heat elimination
2. Enhances venous return
3. Maintenance of normal pH
4. Speech, singing, whistle
5. Smell
6. Defends against inhaled foreign matter
7. Removes, modifies, activates/inactivates various materials passing through pulmonary circulation

Question 12

List the anatomical parts that form part of the respiratory system

Answer 12

1. Nose
2. Pharynx
3. Larynx (glottis and epiglottis)
4. Trachea (tracheostomy)
5. Bronchi
6. Lungs

Question 13

How is the alveolar air-pulmonary-blood interface ideally structured for gas exchange?

Answer 13

Only 0.5 micrometers separate the air in the alveoli from the blood in the pulmonary capillaries, this interface presents a great surface area (75 meters squared) for exchange. The thinness and great surface are of the alveolar membrane facilitate gas exchange because the rate of diffusion is inversely proportional to the thickness and directly proportional to the surface area.

Question 14

State the functions of the Type I and Type II alveolar cells as well as the alveolar macrophages

Answer 14

Type I alveolar cells - form the walls of the alveoli

Type II alveolar cells - secrete pulmonary surfactant

Alveolar macrophages - phagocytic specialists that scavenge inside lumen of alveoli

Question 15

Define the alveolar-capillary membrane

Answer 15

The 0.5 micrometer barrier that separates air in the alveoli from blood in the pulmonary capillaries

Question 16

What are the minute pores of Kohn and their function?

Answer 16

Exist in the walls, between adjacent alveoli. They permit airflow between adjoining alveoli.

Question 17

What is the pleural sac and its function?

Answer 17

Separates each lung from thoracic wall. They contain intrapleural fluid which lubricates the pleural surfaces as they slide past each other during respiration.

Fig 13.5

Question 18

What is surfactant?

Answer 18

A fluid secreted by the Type 2 cells of the alveoli (the tiny air sacs in the lungs) that serves to reduce the surface tension of pulmonary fluids;surfactantcontributes to the elastic properties of pulmonary tissue, preventing the alveoli from collapsing.
It defends against microphages and consists of a mixture of phospholipids and lipoproteins.