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What role does the epiglottis play in the respiratory system?
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The epiglottis prevents food from entering the airway.
Describe the mucociliary escalator and its function.
The mucociliary escalator consists of ciliated columnar cells and goblet cells; it traps particles in mucus and removes them by moving towards the pharynx.
How do sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves affect the bronchial structure?
Sympathetic nerves increase airway diameter ('fight or flight'), while parasympathetic nerves decrease airway diameter ('rest and digest').
Name the three phases of the pharynx.
The nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx are the three phases.
What is the main function of the respiratory system?
The main function is gas exchange, specifically oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal.
What is the difference between conducting bronchioles and respiratory bronchioles?
Conducting bronchioles are involved in air conduction and don't participate in gas exchange, while respiratory bronchioles lead to alveoli where gas exchange occurs.
Describe the pathway of oxygenated blood after gas exchange in the alveoli.
Oxygenated blood returns to the heart through the pulmonary veins and is then distributed to body tissues.
Why is the right bronchus more susceptible to foreign body aspiration?
The right bronchus is wider and more vertical, making it easier for foreign bodies to enter.
What is the role of the paranasal sinuses in the respiratory system?
The paranasal sinuses warm and moisten the air entering the nasal cavity.
What structural feature supports the trachea and mainstem bronchi?
Cartilage rings support the trachea and mainstem bronchi.
Why does the nose have mucus-releasing cells with lysozymes?
These cells help trap and neutralize pathogens such as bacteria.
How does the diaphragm contribute to inhalation?
During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts, pulling air into the lungs by creating a vacuum effect.
What is the function of club cells in the bronchioles?
Club cells secrete protective glycosaminoglycans and contribute to the detoxification of harmful substances.
Explain the significance of type II pneumocytes in the alveoli.
Type II pneumocytes secrete surfactant, which reduces surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse.
What occurs at the alveolar-capillary interface?
Gas exchange occurs at the alveolar-capillary interface, where oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide is expelled from the blood.
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