Running head: ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY ASSIGNMENT 3

Anatomy and Physiology Assignment 3 Student Name: Dermot Connolly Stenberg College

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY ASSIGNMENT 3 2 List the major organs of the respiratory system and their function. The major organs of the respiratory system include the nose, the pharynx, the larynx, the trachea, the bronchi and the lungs. In terms of structure, the respiratory system can be divided into the upper and lower tract, with the organs of the upper tract located outside the chest cavity and the organs of the lower tract located almost entirely within it. The functions of each of these organs are listed below. Nose: In addition to providing a mechanism for the passage of air in to the lungs, the nose also has other important function. As we breathe in through our nostrils, the air passes into our right and left nasal cavities. Our nostrils are lined with a substance called the respiratory mucosa. The nasal cavities are kept moist by the mucosa and warm by the blood flowing around it. As air travels through the nasal cavities, it becomes turbulent and allows for greater contact with the mucosa and hairs lining the nasal cavities. The mucosa cleans and moistens the air as it travels over it and the hairs located within the cavities help to filter it. The nose is also responsible for our sense of smell. Sensors called olfactory receptors are located within the nasal mucosa. Within the nose are four paranasal sinuses called 1) frontal, 2) maxillary, 3) sphenoidal and 4) ethmoidal. The paranasal sinuses are lined with a mucus membrane which helps produce mucus for the respiratory tract. The paranasal sinuses are also hollow which helps in the production of sound and reduces the weight of the skull which helps the skull float. Within the nasal cavities lie the conchae. These mucosa covered protrusions greatly increase the surface area over which the air must travel. As the air passes over the conchae, it is warmed and humidified which is why breathing through the nostrils is much more efficient at humidifying air intake than breathing through the mouth.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY ASSIGNMENT 3 3 Pharynx: The pharynx is about 5 inches long and can be divided into three portions: 1) The Nasopharynx, 2) The Oropharynx and 3) The Laryngopharynx. The function of the pharynx is the same for both the respiratory and digestive systems in that it acts as a passageway for the transport of air (respiratory system) and food (digestive system). In addition, the right and left auditory tubes open into the nasopharynx. As they connect the nasopharynx to the middle ears, it allows equalization of air pressure between the middle and inner ear. Larynx: The larynx is also known as the voicebox because its function is the creation of sound. It is composed of several pieces of cartilage, the largest of which is commonly known as the Adams apple. Within the interior of the larynx are two fibrous bands called the vocal cords. The area between these two vocal cords is called the glottis. Sound is generated when air from the lungs passes over the vocal cords. The type of sound produced depends on the muscles connecting the vocal cords. If the muscles are relaxed the tone is low pitched, when the muscles are tense the tone is high pitched. Trachea: The trachea is also known as the windpipe and is approx 4.5 inches long. It connects the Larynx to the bronchi. The trachea has one very important function, like the pharynx, it provides a passageway for the transport of air to the lungs from the outside. It is protected by stacks of C shaped cartilage along its exterior to help prevent its collapse. Bronchi, Bronchioles and Alveoli: The primary function of the bronchi and bronchioles is the transportation of inhaled air from the trachea into each lung. If you imaging the lungs as an upside down tree, the trunk of the tree would be the trachea and the limbs would be the bronchi. The first branches off the trachea are called the primary bronchi and the branches off the primary bronchi are called the secondary bronchi. Like the trachea, both the primary and secondary

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY ASSIGNMENT 3 4 bronchi are protected from collapse by stacks of C shaped cartilage along its exterior wall. As the bronchi extend further into the lungs, they continue to branch off until they form structures called bronchioles whose walls consist only of smooth muscle. The bronchioles further divides into microscopic tubes called alveolar ducts which connects the bronchioles to alveolar sacs. The alveolar sacs closely resemble a bunch of grapes with each grape called an alveoli. Alveoli are thin walled sacs found deep within the lung which allows for the exchange of inhaled and exhaled gases from the lungs. Each alveoli is connected to a thin walled blood capillary. The walls of the alveoli are equally just as thin as the blood capillary allowing the exchange of gases across both membranes. Lungs: The function of the lungs is to receive the intake of air, allow its absorption into the bloodstream and remove excess gases produced from cellular respiration out of the body. As the diaphragm and rib cage expands, it creates positive air pressure in the lungs. The air outside the body is negative air pressure and is draw into the lungs in the process of inhalation. During exhalation, the reverse happens, the ribcage and diaphragm contract, creating negative air pressure in the lungs. The air outside the body now has negative air pressure in relation the air pressure of the lungs and the air is expelled from the lungs in the process of exhalation.

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References Thibodeau, G., Patton, K. (2010). The Human Body In Health & Disease (5th Ed.). 453-485. Mosby & Elsevier

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