9 topics with a brief review: definitions, key facts, and classroom questions.
The respiratory system provides gas exchange, olfaction, and voice production. In this section, we consistently examine the anatomy of the airways and respiratory organs: from the external nose and nasal cavity to the trachea, main bronchi, and lungs.
Special attention is paid to the larynx — a complex biomechanical structure. You will study its cartilaginous skeleton, muscles, cavity topography, and the structure of the vocal apparatus in detail. The section concludes with topics dedicated to the serous membrane of the lungs — the pleura, as well as the topography of the mediastinum, where the airways are closely adjacent to the heart and great vessels.
During tests and exams, examiners are most strict about the innervation and functions of the laryngeal muscles, the branching of the bronchial tree (bronchopulmonary segments), and the borders of the pleural sinuses. A firm knowledge of mediastinal organ syntopy is your key to successfully passing not only normal, but also topographical anatomy in the future.
To which division of the respiratory system does the external nose belong?
The external nose is the initial segment of the human respiratory system.
What parts is the nasal septum anatomically divided into?
The nasal septum is divided into three parts: membranous, cartilaginous (including the septal nasal cartilage), and bony.
What type of cartilaginous tissue is the larynx formed from?
It is mainly hyaline cartilage (it may ossify with age). But the epiglottis, corniculate, cuneiform cartilages, and the vocal processes of the arytenoids consist of elastic cartilage.
What type of muscle tissue forms the laryngeal muscles?
All laryngeal muscles are exclusively striated skeletal muscle. There are no smooth or mixed fibers in them.
Where in the larynx is ciliated epithelium absent?
Stratified squamous epithelium is found on the vocal folds, the lingual surface of the epiglottis, and the inner surface of the arytenoid cartilages.
At what level does the trachea begin and end?
The trachea begins at the level of the VI–VII cervical vertebrae (as a continuation of the larynx) and ends with a bifurcation at the level of the IV–V thoracic vertebrae.
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