Functions of the Respiratory System
4 Processes of Respiration
The Two Zones of the Respiratory System
Conducting Zone - progressively smaller passages which warm, moisten and clean air as they convey it into the lungs
Respiratory Zone - the site of gas exchange within the lungs
Organs of the Conducting Zone
(from outermost to innermost)
Nasal Cavity
Nasopharynx
Larynx
Trachea
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Terminal Bronchioles
Organs of the Respiratory Zone
(from outermost to innermost)
Respiratory Bronchioles
Alveolar Ducts
Alveoli
The Divisions of the Respiratory Tract (based on location)
Upper Respiratory Tract - organs in head and neck, through larynx
Lower Respiratory Tract - organs of the thorax, trachea through lungs
What is the function of the nose? And what are some of its structures?
structures:
- external nares
- nasal septum
- internal nares (choanae)
- vibrissae
- vestibule
- olfactory receptors
2

superior nasal concha
3

middle nasal concha
4

inferior nasal concha
5-7

Superior, Middle and Inferior Nasal Meatus (respectively)
8

External Nares
1

Internal Nares
area just inside #8

Vestibule
entire open space composed of #2-7

nasal cavity
What is the function of the nasal conchae? And what are they?
Two Types of Nasal Mucosa
Olfactory Mucosa - small patch near roof of nasal cavity which houses olfactory receptors
Respiratory Mucosa - lines nasal cavity
Respiratory Mucosa
Composition:
Function:
cavities shown here

paranasal sinuses
What is the highlighted area?
Its parts?
Its function?

Pharynx
Area posterior to internal nares, superior to soft palate
Nasopharynx

area posterior to oral cavity, superior to the epiglottis, inferior to palate
oropharynx
Area inferior to the epiglottis and superior to the esophagus
Laryngopharynx