A&P II – Review Sheet 36 – Anatomy of the Respiratory System

Know and be able to label the following

Two pairs of vocal folds are found in the larynx. Which pair are the true vocal cords (superior or inferior)?

Inferior

Name the specific cartilages in the larynx that correspond to the following descriptions:
forms the Adam’s apple

thyroid cartilage

Name the specific cartilages in the larynx that correspond to the following descriptions:
a "lid" for the larynx

epiglottis

Name the specific cartilages in the larynx that correspond to the following descriptions:
shaped like a ring

cricoid cartilage

Name the specific cartilages in the larynx that correspond to the following descriptions:
vocal cord attachment

arytenoid cartilage

Why is it important that the human trachea is reinforced with cartilaginous rings?

To maintain its open passageway regardless of the pressure changes that occur during breathing (keeps it from collapsing like the esophagus does)

Why is it important that the rings are incomplete posteriorly?

Allows the esophagus to expand anteriorly when a large food bolus is swallowed

Name the functions of the nasal conchae:

increase air turbulence; warm, moisten and filter air

Which main bronchi more commonly traps a foreign object that has entered the respiratory passageways?

Right

Which main bronchi is longer?

Left

Which main bronchi is larger in larger in diameter?

Right

Which main bronchi is more horizontal?

Left

Know and be able to label the following

Conducting Zone Structures

Nostrils – Nasal vestibule – nasal cavity – posterior nasal aperture – nasopharynx – oropharynx – laryngopharynx – larynx – trachea – primary bronchi – secondary bronchi – tertiary bronchi – bronchioles – terminal bronchioles Known as anatomical dead space

Trace a molecule of oxygen from the nostrils to the pulmonary capillaries of the lungs:

Nostrils – Nasal vestibule – nasal cavity – posterior nasal aperture – nasopharynx – oropharynx – laryngopharynx – larynx – trachea – primary bronchi – secondary bronchi – tertiary bronchi – bronchioles – terminal bronchioles – respiratory bronchioles – alveolar ducts – alveolar sacs – alveoli – respiratory membrane – pulmonary capillary blood

Respiratory Zone Structures

respiratory bronchioles – alveolar ducts – alveolar sacs – alveoli – respiratory membrane

Connects the larynx to the main bronchi

Trachea

Includes terminal and respiratory as subtypes

Bronchiole

Food passageway posterior to the trachea

Esophagus

Cover’s the glottis during swallowing of food

Epiglottis

Contains the vocal cords

Larynx

Nerve that activates the diaphragm during inspiration

Phrenic nerve

Pleural layer lining the walls of the thorax

Parietal pleura

Site from which oxygen enters the pulmonary blood

Alveolus

Connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx

Pharyngotympanic tube

Contains opening between the vocal folds

Glottis

Increases air turbulence in the nasal cavity

Conchae

Separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity

Palate

What portions of the respiratory system are referred to as anatomical dead space? Why?

The conducting zone structures; all respiratory passageways EXCLUDING the respiratory zone structures (alveolar sacs, alveolar ducts, respiratory bronchioles, alveoli, and respiratory membrane) – They have no gas exchange function

External respiration
(happens across the respiratory membrane)

The gas exchange between the blood and the air-filled chambers of the lungs (oxygen loading/carbon dioxide unloading)

Internal respiration

Exchange of gases between systemic blood and interstitium (oxygen unloading/carbon dioxide loading)

Cellular respiration

Oxygen enters the cell from interstitium and carbon dioxide exits the cell to enter the interstitium