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Anatomy and Physiology - The Respiratory System

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    Study Guide Anatomy and Physiology – The Respiratory System 1. Quiz: Structure of the Respiratory System 1. Question The laryngeal prominence (Adam’s apple) is the central prominence on the __________. Answer Choices • thyroid cartilage • cricoid cartilage • hyoid bone Correct Answer thyroid cartilage Why This Is Correct The thyroid cartilage is the large cartilage of the larynx, and its front bulge forms the laryngeal prominence (Adam’s apple) . 2. Question When swallowing food, the __________ closes off the entrance to the trachea to prevent choking. Answer Choices • epiglottis • cricoid cartilage • cuneiform cartilage

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    Study Guide Correct Answer epiglottis Why This Is Correct The epiglottis acts like a flap that covers the trachea during swallowing, keeping food and liquid out of the airway. 3. Question Place the pharyngeal regions in the correct order as air passes to the trachea. Answer Choices • oropharynx → nasopharynx → laryngopharynx • nasopharynx → oropharynx → laryngopharynx • nasopharynx → laryngopharynx → oropharynx Correct Answer nasopharynx → oropharynx → laryngopharynx Why This Is Correct Air passes from the nasal cavity into the pharynx in this sequence: nasopharynx → oropharynx → laryngopharynx , then into the larynx and trachea. 4. Question Which tonsils are found in the nasopharynx? Answer Choices • palatine • lingual • pharyngeal

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    Study Guide Correct Answer pharyngeal Why This Is Correct The pharyngeal tonsils (also called adenoids) are located in the nasopharynx . Palatine tonsils are in the oropharynx, and lingual tonsils are at the base of the tongue. 2. Lungs The lungs are a pair of cone - shaped organs located inside the thorax (chest cavity) . They are the main organs of the respiratory system and help your body take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. Between the two lungs is a space called the: mediastinum The mediastinum contains the heart, and it separates the left and right lungs . Lobes of the Lungs Each lung is divided into sections called lobes , separated by fissures. • Left lung has 2 lobes • Right lung has 3 lobes 2.1 Smaller Divisions Inside the Lungs Each lung is organized into smaller and smaller parts to help air move efficiently. 1. Bronchopulmonary Segments Each lobe is divided into: bronchopulmonary segments

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    Study Guide Each segment contains: a tertiary bronchus 2. Lobules Each bronchopulmonary segment is further divided into: lobules Each lobule contains: a terminal bronchiole What Enters Each Lung Lobe? Every lobe of the lung receives important supply lines, including: • blood vessels • lymphatic vessels • nerves These structures penetrate each lobe to support lung function. 2 .2 Superficial Features of Each Lung Each lung has clear outer features that help identify its shape and position. 1. Apex and Base • Apex = the top of the lung • Base = the bottom of the lung 2. Costal Surface The costal surface of each lung lies against the ribs.

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    Study Guide It borders the ribs on both the front and the back. 3. Medial (Mediastinal) Surface and Hilus The medial surface is the side of the lung that faces: the other lung This side faces the mediastinum, so it is also called the: mediastinal surface On this surface, there is an important opening called the: hilus At the hilus, the following enter the lung: • b ronchi • blood vessels • lymphatic vessels 2 .3 Pleura (Protective Lung Membrane) The lungs are covered by a special double - layered membrane called the: pleura It has two layers: 1. Pulmonary (Visceral) Pleura • inner layer • directly surrounds each lung 2. Parietal Pleura • outer layer • lines the inside of the thoracic cavity

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    Study Guide Pleural Cavity and Pleural Fluid Between the two pleural layers is a narrow space called the: pleural cavity This cavity contains: pleural fluid Pleural fluid is a lubricant secreted by the pleura that: • reduces friction • allows smooth lung movement during breathing 3. Quiz: Lungs 1. Question The bronchi enter the lungs at the area called the __________. Answer Choices • apex • base • hilus Correct Answer hilus Why This Is Correct The hilus is the opening on the lung where structures like the bronchi, blood vessels, and nerves enter and leave.

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    Study Guide 2. Question The hilus of the lung is on the __________ aspect of the lung. Answer Choices • lateral • medial • superior Correct Answer medial Why This Is Correct The hilus is located on the medial side of each lung, facing toward the heart and midline. 3. Question The left lung has __________ lobes and the right lung has __________ lobes. Answer Choices • 2; 2 • 2; 3 • 3; 2 Correct Answer 2; 3 Why This Is Correct • The left lung has 2 lobes (to make room for the heart). • The right lung has 3 lobes .

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    Study Guide 4. Mechanics of Breathing Breathing happens because air moves in and out of the lungs due to changes in pressure . The key idea behind this is a simple physics rule called Boyle’s Law . Boyle’s Law (Pressure – Volume Relationship) Boyle’s Law explains the relationship between: pressure (P) and volume (V) of a gas. It states: • If volume increases, pressure decreases • If volume decreases, pressure increases This relationship can be written as: PV = constant or P ₁ V ₁ = P ₂ V ₂ Both equations mean: • the product of pressure × volume stays the same Important note: Boyle’s Law works only when: • temperature does not change

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    Study Guide How Boyle’s Law Explains Breathing Breathing happens when muscles around the lungs contract or relax , causing changes in the size of the lungs. When the volume of the lungs changes: • the air pressure inside the lungs changes too (Boyle’s Law!) Air always moves from: • high pressure → low pressure So: • if pressure is higher in the lungs than outside → air moves out • if pressure is lower in the lungs than outside → air moves in Inspiration (Breathing In) Inspiration happens when the inspiratory muscles contract. The main inspiratory muscles are: diaphragm external intercostal muscles What Happens During Inspiration? Diaphragm contraction The diaphragm is a skeletal muscle located below the lungs . When it contracts: • the thoracic cavity becomes larger External intercostal contraction When the external intercostal muscles contract: • ribs and sternum lift upward

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    Study Guide Final Result of Inspiration Both muscle actions make the lungs expand, which causes: lung volume increases air pressure inside lungs decreases below outside air pressure air rushes into the lungs (high → low) Expiration (Breathing Out) Expiration usually happens when the inspiratory muscles relax. So: • diaphragm relaxes • external intercostal muscles relax What Happens During Expiration? When these muscles relax: • elastic fibers in lung tissue make the lungs recoil back to their original size This causes: • lung volume decreases pressure inside lungs increases above outside air pressure air rushes out of the lungs Forced Expiration (During Heavy Breathing) Normally, expiration is passive, but during high ventilation rates (like exercise), expiration becomes stronger with help from:

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