List and describe several protective mechanisms of the respiratory system. • Dis

Question

List and describe several protective mechanisms of the respiratory system. • Distinguish between conducting and respiratory zone structures. • Describe the structure, function, and location of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi. • Describe the makeup of the respiratory membrane, and relate structure to function. • Identify the organs forming the respiratory passageway(s) in descending order until you reach the alveoli. • Describe the gross structure of the lungs and pleurae. • Explain the functional importance of the partial vacuum that exists in the intrapleural space. • Relate Boyle’s law to events of inspiration and expiration. • Explain the relative roles of the respiratory muscles and lung elasticity in producing the volume changes that cause air to flow into and out of the lungs. • List several physical factors that influence pulmonary ventilation. • Explain and compare the various lung volumes and capacities. • Define dead space. • Indicate types of information that can be gained from pulmonary function tests. • State Dalton’s law of partial pressures and Henry’s law. • Describe how atmospheric and alveolar air differ in composition, and explain these differences. • Relate Dalton’s and Henry’s laws to events of external and internal respiration. • Describe how oxygen is transported in blood. • Describe carbon dioxide transport in the blood. • Describe the neural controls of respiration. • Compare and contrast the influences of arterial pH, arterial partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide, lung reflexes, volition, and emotions on respiratory rate and depth. • Compare and contrast the hyperpnea of exercise with hyperventilation. • Describe the process and effects of acclimatization to high altitude. • Compare the causes and consequences of chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, tuberculosis, and lung cancer.

Possible essay questions 1. Discuss the benefits of athletic training at high altitude. 2. Explore the changes in respiratory volumes with obstructive or congestive pulmonary disorders. 3. Examine the relationship between muscle fatigue, excess postexercise oxygen consumption, and an elevated respiratory rate after exercise. 4. Discuss the relationship between intrapulmonary pressure and intrapleural pressure. What happens to intrapulmonary pressure relative to intrapleural pressure when Valsalva’s maneuver is performed? 5. Why are only slightly higher atmospheric levels of carbon monoxide gas dangerous? 6. Explain how temperature, pH, BPG, and affect oxygen loading and unloading.

Explanation / Answer

1). The important structures of the respiratory system that are involved in the filtration of air include hairs present in nostrils, mucous membrane covering the respiratory passage and alveoli.

Nasal cavity is the first part of respiratory system that is divided into right and left portions by means of nasal septum. The mucous membranes lining the nasal cavity is helping to moist the inhaled air. Anterior nares or nostrils form the entrance of nasal cavity and the posterior nares are present at the back of the nasal cavity. The small hair like structures present in nostrils act as filters for dust. Within the nasal cavity, the inhaled air is warmed up and pumped into the lungs.

The mucous membrane, which is present throughout the respiratory passage not only provides protection but also adheres the coarse particles present in the air, and expel it through the forced expulsion of air (sneezing and coughing).

Alveoli are the terminal endings of bronchiole, and they are innervated by capillaries through which the gaseous exchange takes place. Through inhaled air, only oxygen is exchanged with carbondioxide and all the other gases will be expelled out through the exhalation. Within alveoli, alveolar macrophages or dust cells provide protection against environmental dust particles and microbes.

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