This material is downloaded for Gwyneth Margarette A.

Gonzales (20230037901)
at FEU Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation.
For personal use only. No other uses without permission. All rights reserved.

LABORATORY EXERCISES #11

The Respiratory System

1. Draw or paste an anterior view showing the organs of respiration from the nose
to the lungs. Label correctly.

2. What is the communication between the nasopharynx and the middle ear? Give
its significance.
The communication between the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat
behind the nose) and the middle ear is established through the Eustachian tube.
The Eustachian tube acts as a drainage and ventilation pathway, allowing air to
travel between the middle ear and the back of the throat.
Its significance lies in maintaining equal air pressure on both sides of the
eardrum. This pressure balance is crucial for the proper functioning of the middle
ear and the hearing mechanism. When the Eustachian tube doesn't function
correctly, it can lead to conditions like ear infections and hearing problems. It also
plays a role in draining fluids from the middle ear, helping to prevent the buildup of
fluids that can cause infections.
3. What is/are the significance of the incomplete rings of tracheal cartilages?

The trachea, or windpipe, it is composed of rings of cartilage that provide support

and prevent the trachea from collapsing. These cartilage rings are C-shaped, with
the open part of the "C" facing the back of the body. However, the rings are
incomplete in the sense that they don't form complete circles. Instead, they are
open posteriorly. incomplete rings of tracheal cartilages provide a balance
between support and flexibility, ensuring that the trachea remains open and
functional while also allowing for movement and protection of nearby structures.

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 This material is downloaded for Gwyneth Margarette A. Gonzales (20230037901)
at FEU Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation.
For personal use only. No other uses without permission. All rights reserved.

4. What are the forces that tend to make the lungs collapse?
1. Airway Blockage: Blockage of the airways within the lungs by mucus, foreign
objects, or tumors can lead to the absorption of air from the alveoli into the
bloodstream, causing the affected portion of the lung to collapse.
2. Pneumothorax: Pneumothorax occurs when air enters the pleural cavity,
disrupting the negative pressure that keeps the lungs expanded. This can result
from trauma, rib fractures, or spontaneous causes, leading to lung collapse.
3. Compression of the Chest Wall: Conditions like pleural effusion (accumulation
of fluid in the pleural cavity), hemothorax (presence of blood in the pleural
cavity), or tumors in the chest can compress lung tissue. This compression can
cause partial or complete lung collapse.

5. Enumerate the structures where actual gas exchange takes place.

Where gas exchange between blood and air occurs, primarily alveoli
and some in respiratory bronchioles and alveolar ducts.

6. Explain the effects of cigarette smoking in respiration.

In summary, according to the book, smoking has detrimental effects on the
respiratory system. Nicotine narrows air passages, reducing airflow, while
carbon monoxide hampers oxygen transport in the bloodstream. Smoke
irritants increase mucus production, impede cilia movement, and transform
normal tissue, leading to chronic issues like a smoker's cough. Over time,
smoking destroys lung elastic fibers, causing emphysema, inefficient gas
exchange, and trapped air in alveoli. These effects significantly impact
breathing and overall respiratory health.

7. Draw or paste the anterior view of the right and left lungs. Label correctly.

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 This material is downloaded for Gwyneth Margarette A. Gonzales (20230037901)
at FEU Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation.
For personal use only. No other uses without permission. All rights reserved.

8. Complete the table.

Anatomy Right lung Left lung

Number of Lobes 3 2

Number of Fissures 2 1

Cardiac notch - 1

Lingula - 1

References

INTRODUCTION OF THE HUMAN BODY; The Respiratory System

Vol. chapter 18; page 440-451 (eleventh EDITION). (n.d.).

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