BIOB33H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Mediastinum, Pleural Cavity, Serous Membrane
Document Summary
The lower respiratory system consists of: nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, and pharynx larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. Provides an area for gas exchange between the air and the blood. Protects the respiratory surfaces (for example: from dehydration) Assists in the regulation of blood volume, blood pressure, and body fluid ph. Pseudostratified, ciliated, columnar cells (except for the pharynx, smaller bronchi, and alveoli) Ciliated columnar cells move mucus in an upward manner (mucus escalator) so debris can be coughed out. Mucous cells produce mucus so inhaled debris will get stuck and not enter the lungs. Hairs in the nose called vibrissae block some of the inhaled debris. Nasal cavity produces mucus to trap inhaled debris. Area surrounded by the two pairs of alar cartilage. Air flows in and around the nasal conchae. As air swirls around the conchae, debris gets stuck in the mucus.
