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Respiratory System Anatomy Flashcards

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  1. The nasopharynx communicates with the middle ear through which structure?

    Answer: Eustachian (auditory) tube

    The Eustachian (auditory) tube connects the nasopharynx to the middle ear, allowing equalization of air pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane.

  2. What is the shape of the cartilaginous rings that support the trachea?

    Answer: C-shaped (horseshoe) rings of hyaline cartilage

    The trachea is supported by 16–20 C-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage; the open posterior aspect is closed by the trachealis smooth muscle, allowing the esophagus to expand during swallowing.

  3. Which of the following correctly describes the left lung compared to the right lung?

    Answer: Two lobes and a cardiac notch

    The left lung has only two lobes (upper and lower) separated by an oblique fissure, and features a cardiac notch on its anteromedial surface created by the position of the heart.

  4. Type I alveolar cells (type I pneumocytes) cover approximately what percentage of the alveolar surface area?

    Answer: 95%

    Despite being fewer in number than type II cells, type I pneumocytes cover approximately 95% of the alveolar surface due to their extremely thin, flat morphology, which is ideal for gas diffusion.

  5. In an adult, the larynx is located at approximately which vertebral level?

    Answer: C3–C6

    In adults, the larynx spans approximately C3–C6, with the cricoid cartilage at approximately C6, though exact position varies with age and neck posture.

  6. Which ligament connects the cricoid cartilage to the first tracheal ring?

    Answer: Cricotracheal ligament

    The cricotracheal ligament connects the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage (the most inferior laryngeal cartilage) to the first tracheal ring.

  7. The oblique fissure of the lung runs posteriorly from approximately which vertebral level down to the sixth costal cartilage anteriorly?

    Answer: T4

    The oblique fissure runs from approximately T4 (roughly the level of the spine of the scapula) posteriorly and superiorly down to the sixth costal cartilage anteroinferiorly.