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Learning Objectives
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List the structures that make up the respiratory system
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19.1: The Nose and its Adjacent Structures
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This page describes the respiratory system's nose, highlighting its external and internal components. It outlines the structures of the external nose and the features of the internal nasal cavity, including the nasal septum and conchae, which aid in air filtration and humidity. The nasal cavity's lining consists of specialized epithelium with goblet cells for mucus and cilia for debris clearance.
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19.2: Pharynx
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This page describes the pharynx as a muscular tube covered with mucous membrane that connects the nasal cavities. It is divided into three distinct regions: the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.
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19.3: Larynx
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This page explains the anatomy and function of the larynx, a cartilaginous structure connecting the pharynx to the trachea. It highlights key components including the thyroid, epiglottis, and cricoid cartilages, noting the prominence of the thyroid in males. The larynx also contains smaller paired cartilages—arytenoids, corniculates, and cuneiforms—that play a role in vocal cord movement, essential for speech production.
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19.4: Trachea
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This page describes the trachea as the windpipe connecting the larynx to the lungs, composed of 16 to 20 C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings linked by dense connective tissue. It features a flexible structure with trachealis muscle and elastic tissue for expansion during breathing. The cartilage prevents collapse, while the muscle helps expel air. Lined with pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium, the trachea is situated anterior to the esophagus.
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19.5: Bronchial Tree
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This page describes the trachea's bifurcation into the right and left primary bronchi at the carina, where coughing is induced by specialized tissue. The bronchi, supported by cartilage and lined with pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium, transport air into the lungs and branch into a bronchial tree. Smaller bronchioles, lacking cartilage, lead to terminal bronchioles with muscular walls that regulate airflow, ultimately reaching areas for gas exchange.
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19.6: Respiratory Zone
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This page discusses the respiratory zone of the respiratory system, where gas exchange takes place from terminal bronchioles to alveoli. It highlights the function of alveoli in increasing surface area and their structure, including type I and II cells, which aid in gas permeation and surfactant secretion, respectively. Additionally, it mentions the role of macrophages in immune defense and the importance of the thin respiratory membrane that enables efficient gas diffusion.
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19.7: Exercises
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This page describes a lab exercise on the respiratory system, focusing on identifying, labeling, and matching both anatomical parts and histological components. It emphasizes structures like the nasal vestibule, larynx, lobes of the lungs, and various types of cartilage. The content promotes understanding of respiratory system structure and function by guiding students in labeling key components, including the epiglottis and bronchi.
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19.8: MODELS- Bronchial Tree, Lungs and Heart, Trachea, Torsos and Mid-Sagittal Head
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This page offers a detailed overview of the respiratory system, covering key components such as the pleura, lungs, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchial tree. It explains the structure of the lungs, including lobes and hilus, and the anatomy of the nasal cavity. The page highlights the diaphragm as the main respiratory muscle and discusses the histological characteristics of the trachea and lungs, particularly the various types of epithelium found within these structures.