Case 4 Bigger is better

8 important questions on Case 4 Bigger is better

Upper respiratory tract

Mouth, nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx

Lower respiratory tract

Trachea, primary bronchi, their branches and the lungs

Cell types in alveoli

Type I alveolar cells: very thin, gases can diffuse rapidly (95%)
Type II alveolar cells: smaller but thicker, synthesize and secrete surfactant
  it mixes with fluid lining of alveoli, to aid lungs as they expand.

Lung tissue itself can not contract, but the connective tissue around it can create elastic recoil.
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Functions nose/nasal cavity

Produce mucus
Filters, warms and moistens incoming air
Olfactory mucosa contains smell receptors

Functions  and parts of the pharynx

Nasopharynx: Contains uvula, closes nasal cavity, and
  contains pharyngeal tonsil, traps and kills pathogens.
Oropharynx: Turns into stratified squamous, increased friction,
  protects from spice, air and food.
Laryngopharynx: During swallowing, air passage temporarily
  stops (epiglottis), food and fluid enter esophagus.

Functions and layers of trachea (10-12 cm)


Function: contraction of tracheal muscle, causes expired air to rush upward.Layers:
- Mucosa (goblet cells)
- Submucosa (mucus glands)
- Hyaline cartilage

- Adventitia

Dead space volume

Inspired air that fills respiratory passageways and never contributes to gas exchange in alveoli. Around 150 mL




If TV is 500 ml, only 350 ml of it is involved in alveolar ventilation.

Ventilation perfusion ratio (V/Q ratio)

Ratio of amount of air reaching the alveoli per minute (V) to the amount of blood reaching the alveoli per minute (Q)

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