Learning Objectives - Respiratory System

Identify the structures of the upper respiratory tract and describe their functions.

• The structures of the upper respiratory tract include the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx. Their functions are to filter, warm, and humidify air, and to provide a passageway for air to reach the lungs.

• The structures of the upper respiratory tract include the trachea, bronchi, and alveoli. Their functions are to exchange gases and remove carbon dioxide from the body.

• The structures of the upper respiratory tract include the diaphragm, lungs, and pleura. Their functions are to contract and expand during breathing.

• The structures of the upper respiratory tract include the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Their functions are to digest food and absorb nutrients.

Identify the structures of the lower respiratory tract and describe their functions.

• The structures of the lower respiratory tract include the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. Their functions are to conduct air to the lungs and facilitate gas exchange.

• The structures of the lower respiratory tract include the nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx. Their functions are to filter, warm, and humidify air.

• The structures of the lower respiratory tract include the diaphragm, ribs, and intercostal muscles. Their functions are to support breathing movements.

• The structures of the lower respiratory tract include the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Their functions are to digest and absorb nutrients.

Describe the histology of the respiratory tract and how it changes from the nasal cavities through the alveoli.

• The histology of the respiratory tract changes from pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium in the nasal cavities to simple squamous epithelium in the alveoli, allowing for efficient gas exchange.

• The histology of the respiratory tract remains the same throughout, consisting entirely of stratified squamous epithelium.

• The histology of the respiratory tract changes from simple cuboidal epithelium in the nasal cavities to keratinized stratified squamous epithelium in the alveoli.

• The histology of the respiratory tract changes from transitional epithelium in the nasal cavities to pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium in the alveoli.

Define pulmonary ventilation and describe the muscles involved in inhalation vs. exhalation.

• Pulmonary ventilation is the movement of air into and out of the lungs. Inhalation involves the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles, while exhalation involves the relaxation of these muscles and sometimes the use of internal intercostal and abdominal muscles.

• Pulmonary ventilation is the exchange of gases between blood and tissues. Inhalation involves only the abdominal muscles, while exhalation uses the diaphragm exclusively.

• Pulmonary ventilation is the process of oxygen binding to hemoglobin. Inhalation and exhalation both use only the internal intercostal muscles.

• Pulmonary ventilation is the movement of blood through the lungs. Inhalation involves the relaxation of the diaphragm, while exhalation involves contraction of the external intercostal muscles.

Define the gas pressures involved in pulmonary ventilation, describe how Boyle’s law relates to these pressures during inhalation vs. exhalation, and the difference between an open and closed system.

• Gas pressures involved include atmospheric, intrapulmonary, and intrapleural pressures. Boyle’s law states that pressure and volume are inversely related; during inhalation, lung volume increases and pressure decreases, drawing air in. An open system allows air exchange with the environment, while a closed system does not.

• Gas pressures involved include only atmospheric pressure. Boyle’s law states that pressure and volume are directly related; during inhalation, lung volume decreases and pressure increases, pushing air out. An open system prevents air exchange with the environment, while a closed system allows it.

• Gas pressures involved include only intrapulmonary pressure. Boyle’s law states that pressure and volume are unrelated; during inhalation, lung volume and pressure both increase. An open system restricts air movement, while a closed system enhances it.

• Gas pressures involved include only intrapleural pressure. Boyle’s law states that pressure and volume are inversely related; during inhalation, lung volume decreases and pressure increases, drawing air in. An open system does not allow air exchange, while a closed system does.

List the cells found in alveoli, describe their functions, and describe how they contribute to the respiratory membrane.

• Cells in alveoli include type I alveolar cells (gas exchange), type II alveolar cells (secrete surfactant), and alveolar macrophages (remove debris). They form the respiratory membrane for efficient gas exchange.

• Cells in alveoli include only red blood cells and platelets, which help in blood clotting and oxygen transport. They do not contribute to the respiratory membrane.

• Cells in alveoli include ciliated epithelial cells and goblet cells, which secrete mucus and trap dust, forming the respiratory membrane.

• Cells in alveoli include smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts, which contract and provide structural support, forming the respiratory membrane.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

NGSS.MS-LS1-3

Explain the importance of surfactant in preventing alveolar collapse.

• Surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse and ensuring efficient gas exchange.

• Surfactant increases the thickness of the alveolar walls, making them more rigid.

• Surfactant promotes the absorption of carbon dioxide into the bloodstream.

• Surfactant causes the alveoli to fill with fluid, aiding in oxygen transport.

Define the volumes (TV, IRV, ERV) and capacities of the lung and identify them on a spirogram.

• Tidal Volume (TV) is the amount of air inhaled or exhaled in a normal breath. Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) is the extra air inhaled after a normal inhalation. Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) is the extra air exhaled after a normal exhalation. These can be identified as distinct segments on a spirogram.

• Tidal Volume (TV) is the total lung capacity. Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) is the air left in the lungs after exhalation. Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) is the air exchanged during forced inhalation.

• Tidal Volume (TV) is the air exhaled after a deep breath. Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) is the normal breath volume. Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) is the total air in the lungs.

• Tidal Volume (TV) is the maximum air the lungs can hold. Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) is the air exhaled during normal breathing. Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) is the air inhaled after a normal breath.

Differentiate between the processes of pulmonary and systemic gas exchange.

• Pulmonary gas exchange occurs in the lungs between alveoli and blood, while systemic gas exchange occurs between blood and tissues throughout the body.

• Pulmonary gas exchange occurs in the heart, while systemic gas exchange occurs only in the lungs.

• Pulmonary gas exchange involves oxygen leaving the body, while systemic gas exchange involves carbon dioxide entering the body.

• Pulmonary gas exchange occurs between blood and tissues, while systemic gas exchange occurs between alveoli and blood.

Describe the major ways that carbon dioxide is transported in the body.

• Carbon dioxide is transported in the body dissolved in plasma, as bicarbonate ions, and bound to hemoglobin.

• Carbon dioxide is transported only as a gas in the lungs.

• Carbon dioxide is transported solely by white blood cells.

• Carbon dioxide is transported only in the form of carbonic acid.