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HSCI 103 Lab 3 The Respiratory System
HSCI 103 Lab 3 The Respiratory System
HSCI 103 Lab 3 The Respiratory System
LEARNING OUTCOMES: The activities described in this laboratory are intended to help the
student:
1. Identify the walls, roof, floor, and other major structures of the nasal cavity.
2. Identify the three divisions of the pharynx: nasopharynx, oropharynx and laryngopharynx.
3. Describe and distinguish between the upper and lower respiratory tracts.
4. Describe and distinguish between the conducting and respiratory zones of the respiratory
tract.
5. List, in order, the respiratory structures that air passes through during inspiration.
6. Describe the changes in epithelial and connective tissues seen in various portions of the air
passageways, and relate these to changes in function.
7. Identify the cartilages of the larynx.
8. Identify the muscles used during quiet inspiration, during forced inspiration, and during
forced expiration, as well as the nerves responsible for stimulating those muscles.
9. Define, identify and determine values for the respiratory volumes (IRV, TV, ERV and RV)
and the respiratory capacities (IC, FRC, VC and TLC).
On the left side of the page, label the respiratory tract as it moves from largest to smallest
structures.
On the right side of the page, describe if it is part of the conducting zone or respiratory zone.
Finally, describe the epithelial tissue lining that portion of the respiratory tract.
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Anatomy identification: Use the resources available to complete the activities described
below.
A. Trachea
1. Carina
2. Tracheal rings
a. What type of cartilage are these rings composed of?
Hyaline
B. Lungs
2. Right lung:
a. superior, middle and inferior lobes
b. oblique and horizontal fissures
3. Left lung:
a. superior and inferior lobes
b. oblique fissure
c. aortic impression - why is this present on this lung?
To allow for the aorta to pass through
c. cardiac impression – why is this present on this lung?
To allow for the heart to sit in between the lungs
e. cardiac notch
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4. Parietal and visceral pleura
a. what is between these 2 layers?
Plueral cavity
b. What is the significance of this space?
Lubricates the lungs to allow for little friction
d. What type of tissue are these layers composed of?
Loos connective
The lungs are composed of elastic connective tissue, which gives them the property of
expansion and recoil. It is this recoil that drives exhalation during normal, quiet breathing, as
well as relaxation of the inspiratory muscles.
C. Thoracic Cavity
1. Pleural cavity
a. what 2 layers of the pleura form this cavity? The parietal pleura and the
visceral pleura
2. Mediastinum
a. what is found within this cavity? Contains all the principal tissues and
organs of the chest except the lungs (heart, thymus gland, portions of
the esophagus and trachea, and other structures)
3. Diaphragm
a. what 3 major structures pass through the diaphragm? Identify each. The
esophagus, the inferior vena cava, and the descending aorta
5. Aorta
a. where/when does it transition from the thoracic to the abdominal aorta?
The abdominal aorta is a continuation of the thoracic aorta beginning
at the level of the T12 vertebrae.
D. Larynx Model
1. Hyoid bone
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2. Thyroid cartilage
3. Cricoid cartilage
a. Cricothyroid membrane – what is the significance of this tissue? keeps
the cricoid and thyroid from traveling too far
3. Tracheal rings
a. what type of cartilage are these? Hyaline cartilage
4. Epiglottis
a. what type of tissue is this structure composed of? What is its role? Made
of elastic cartilage covered in a mucous membrane. Its function is to seal off the windpipe
during eating, so that food is not accidentally inhaled
5. Glottis
a. what is the function of this structure? Control’s airflow in and out of the
respiratory passages and is crucial in producing vowels and voiced consonants
2. Epiglottis
3. Thyroid cartilage
4. Cricoid cartilage
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Part 2: Respiratory
Volumes and Capacities:
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If we need to inhale more air than usual, such as during exercise, muscles such as the
scalenes and sternocleidomastoid can assist. (Fig 2).
Normal, quiet exhalation needs no muscular contraction. The diaphragm relaxes, and the
elastic tissues in the chest wall and lunges recoil, forcing air out of the lungs. This causes pressure
in inside the lungs to increase, forcing air out of the lungs.
If needed, exhalation can be forced. The internal intercostals and muscles of the abdominal wall
can help to depress the ribs (fig 2). All these actions decrease lung volume, increase the alveolar
pressure, and push the air out of the lungs. In some respiratory diseases, passive exhalation is
impaired, requiring individuals to use their muscles of forced expiration.
Now, what draws air into and out of the lungs, with muscular movement?
Imagine you are a gas molecule in the atmosphere and lungs. You are compelled to move towards
that intrapleural space, since the pressure is lower! This “drives” of the gas molecules against the
walls of the lungs, attempting to reach that intrapleural space.
Figure 5 Inhalation
Figure 6 Exhalation