This lesson introduces the respiratory system’s main functions and the distinction between its conducting and respiratory zones. It then explores the nose and nasal cavity, which prepare incoming air and help detect odors.
The respiratory system supplies oxygen for cellular respiration, removes carbon dioxide, and contributes to the regulation of acid-base balance. Some respiratory structures also support smell, speech, coughing, and straining.
All flashcards
What is the conducting zone?
The portion of the respiratory system that provides passages for air and helps filter, warm, and humidify it, without directly carrying out gas exchange.
What is the respiratory zone?
The region of the respiratory system containing structures directly involved in gas exchange between air and blood.
What is the function of the nasal conchae?
They increase the nasal cavity’s surface area and disrupt airflow, encouraging air to contact the lining for filtering, warming, and humidification.
How do cilia and goblet cells work together?
Goblet cells make mucus that traps particles; cilia beat to move this mucus and its debris toward the throat, where it can be swallowed.
What do alveolar macrophages do?
They engulf debris and pathogens that reach the alveoli.
Quiz questions
Which pharyngeal region lies behind the nasal cavity and serves only as an airway?Answer: The nasopharynx.
How are the tracheal cartilage rings shaped and oriented?Answer: They are C-shaped, with their open portions facing the esophagus.
Which structural feature distinguishes bronchioles from bronchi?Answer: Bronchioles lack cartilage and have muscular walls that adjust airway diameter.
What is the main effect of pulmonary surfactant secreted by type II alveolar cells?Answer: It reduces surface tension and helps prevent alveolar collapse.
Which changes can contribute to airway narrowing in asthma?Answer: Airway inflammation and swelling, bronchospasm, and sometimes excess mucus.
Based on Anatomy and Physiology 2e by J. Gordon Betts, Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Eddie Johnson, Brandon Poe, Dean H. Kruse, Oksana Korol, Jody E. Johnson, Mark Womble, Peter DeSaix (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.