RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

What is cell type forms the lining of the alveoli?

Answer explanation

The alveoli are lined with a single layer of squamous epithelial cells, which allow for easy diffusion of vital gases. Basal and apical cells refer to cells located at the bottom and top of structures, respectively. Endothelial cells line the circulatory system and blood vessels. There is no formal class of cells known as "respiratory cells."

What type of epithelial tissue surrounds the alveoli?

Answer explanation

Alveoli are the site of gas exchange in the lungs. Because rapid diffusion of gases is necessary between the capillaries and the alveoli, a very thin epithelial layer is needed. As a result, alveoli use simple squamous epithelium so that gases can easily diffuses to and from the bloodstream.

What are the structures is found within the lungs and helps facilitate gas exchange?

Answer explanation

   Alveoli are at the end of the respiratory pathway in humans, and act as a site of gas exchange

(carbon dioxide and oxygen).The path of air through the respiratory tract is: trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli. It is important to note that no gas exchange takes place in the bronchi, but does in the bronchioles, which are passageways that branch off from the main bronchi and eventually lead to alveolar ducts.

How many lobes does the right lung have?

Answer explanation

The right lung contains three lobes: upper, middle, and lower. The left lungs contains two lobes: upper and lower. The left lung is designed to be smaller than the right in order to accommodate the heart, which is situated slightly to the left.

How is oxygen carried after entering the blood of the pulmonary capillaries?

Answer explanation

Hemoglobin is the main oxygen carrier in the human body. Each hemoglobin protein is able to carry four oxygen molecules. As the hemoglobin travels through the blood vessels of the body, the oxygen is released to tissues and used in the electron transport chain.

What happens to the pressure of the lungs to initiate inspiration?

Answer explanation

During inspiration, the lungs expand as the diaphragm contracts and internal intercostal muscles relax. As the volume of the thoracic cavity increases, its pressure decreases. This creates a pressure gradient, driving air from an area of high pressure (the environment) into the area of low pressure (the lungs).

What structural component(s) of the airway would be most affected by the bronchodilator to induce smooth muscle relaxation and in what functional zones are they found?

Answer explanation

The conducting zone is simply a series of tubes through which gases travel while the respiratory zone directly participates in gases exchange.

What produces the force which drives normal exhalation and is the process active or passive?

Answer explanation

Contraction of the diaphragm produces a negative pressure in the space between the lungs and the abdominal wall.

In a situation where the respiratory bronchioles became inflamed and narrowed such as in asthma, which aspect of respiration would be most mechanically impaired?

Answer explanation

Contraction of the diaphragm produces a negative pressure within the intrathoracic cavity. The negative pressure gradient pulls air into the lungs expand, and thus the radius of respiratory bronchioles increases during inspiration.

What is the pressure of gas within the alveoli at the peak of inspiration just before expiration relative to that atmospheric air?

Answer explanation

The flow of air and all gasses is determined by pressure gradients. Air flows from areas of higher pressure to lower pressure