BSC 3022 Review Sheet Chapter 5

updated Spring 2014

Respiratory System

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Answer the following questions as completely as possible, referring to

your class notes and textbook. They are designed to help you process
and review course material. Questions on quizzes and exams will also
deal with these topics, but will be specific and in a M/C and T/F format.
Quiz and exam questions may not be limited to the topics covered
here.
1. What structural feature is used to create large surface area in the respiratory
system? Trace the path air takes from entering the body to reaching the
pulmonary capillaries. Which part of the path is contained in the lungs?
Which parts comprise the upper respiratory system? The lower respiratory
system?
2. What two structural features protect the respiratory system from
microorganisms and debris? To which chamber of the respiratory tract is
particulate matter directed? In what two ways is it disposed of?
3. How does the respiratory system protect itself from drying? Extremes in
temperature?
4. Describe the structure of the alveoli. Explain how their structure enables
them to 1) minimize water surface tension and expand with air, and 2)
exchange gas efficiently with capillaries.
5. Describe the structure of the lungs. What two types of tissue make them up?
Explain the structure of the pleura, and how it facilitates expansion of the
lungs when the diaphragm contracts.
6. Indicate the state (contracted or relaxed) of the following muscles during 1)
inspiration, 2) passive expiration, and 3) forced expiration: diaphragm,
abdominals, external intercostals, and internal intercostals.
7. What site of infection and physiological changes are characteristic of a
runny nose? How can a runny nose progress into 1) an infection of the
paranasal sinuses, 2) a sore throat, 3) infection of the middle ear, or 4)
bronchitis?
8. What three types of tissue are found in the bronchi (think about it!)? Why
do the air passageways of the bronchioles shut during an allergic response?
Why dont they maintain their shape like bronchi or the trachea?
9. Explain what happens when a lung collapses (pneumothorax).

10. Explain the following lung volumes and capacities, and how they are
related: residual volume (RV), tidal volume (TV), inspiratory reserve (IR),
inspiratory capacity (IC), expiratory reserve (ER), vital capacity (VC), and
total lung capacity (TC).

11. What is the maximum breathing capacity (MBC)? How is it related to lung
compliance? How is lung compliance related to its elasticity?
12. Make a (large!) table that summarizes the changes occurring in the
trachea, bronchi, walls of the lungs/thorax, and alveoli with regard to 1)
protein fiber loss, deposition, or other changes, 2) calcification, and 3)
structural breakdown/loss of function, as well as the consequences of each
as discussed in lecture.
13. Based on the changes listed in the item above, how do the RC, TV, VC,
compliance of the lungs, MBC, and compliance of the alveoli change with
age?
14. Explain why loss of lung elasticity (an increase in compliance!) results in
an overall REDUCTION in O2 saturation of arterial blood.
15. Explain why a loss of alveolar compliance leads to a decline of O2 levels in
arterial blood.
16. Explain why exercise seems to have limited affect in countering biological
aging of the respiratory system.
17. Explain the difference between restrictive ad obstructive pulmonary
diseases, and list examples of each.
18. List the symptoms, causes, and examples of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD). Give several reasons why the elderly are more
susceptible to developing COPD.
19. Contrast chronic bronchitis with regular bronchitis with regard to the
CAUSES and SYMPTOMS of each. What characteristics distinguish the
chronic disease emphysema? Include changes to cilia, alveoli, expiration,
RV, and MBC. How can emphysema bring about death?
20. What are the symptoms of pneumonia? For each of the following types of
pneumonia, give examples of causative agents and explain the effect on the
lungs: bacterial pneumonia, viral pneumonia, fungal pneumonia, pulmonary
fibrosis, aspiration pneumonia. Why are the elderly more susceptible to each
type of pneumonia?
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21. What is an embolus, where does it usually form, and why? Explain what
happens to an embolus in pulmonary embolism, and what symptoms result.