Roles of tissues in the lungs

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  • Created by: Steff06
  • Created on: 11-04-16 13:02
What role does the cartilage play and what does it support and prevent?
Plays a structural role. Supports the trachea and bronchi, holding them open and prevents collapse where air pressure inside is low during inhalation.
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What does cartilage not form and what does this allow?
Does not form a complete ring in trachea so there is some flexibility. Allows neck to be moved without constricting airways and allows oesophagus to expand during swallowing.
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What happens when smooth muscle contracts and where is the effect of smooth muscle most obvious?
When contracts, constricts airway which makes lumen of airway narrower. Effect of smooth muscle most obvious in bronchioles. Contracting lumen can restrict flow of air to and from alveoli.
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Why may controlling flow of air to alveoli be important?
May be important if there are harmful substances in the air. Contraction of smooth muscle+control of airflow is not a voluntary act.
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What does the epithelium consist of and what do these have?
Consists of ciliated cells which have numerous, tiny hair-like structures projecting from their membrane. These are the cilia.
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Describe what the cilia do and what the effect of their presence is
Cilia move in a synchronised pattern to waft mucus up the airway to the back of the throat. Once there, mucus is swallowed and acidity in stomach will kill any bacteria.
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What happens when smooth muscle contracts?
It reduces the diameter of the lumen of the airway. Smooth muscle cannot reverse this effect.
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What happens when the airway constricts?
It deforms the elastic fibres in the loose tissue.
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What are the effects of the smooth muscle relaxing?
The elastic fibres recoil to their original shape and size which help to dilate the airway.
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What do the goblet cells and glandular tissue do?
Secrete mucus.
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What is the role of mucus?
To trap tiny particles from the air such as pollen and bacteria.
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What will trapping the bacteria do?
Allow the bacteria to be removed which will reduce risk of infection.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What does cartilage not form and what does this allow?

Back

Does not form a complete ring in trachea so there is some flexibility. Allows neck to be moved without constricting airways and allows oesophagus to expand during swallowing.

Card 3

Front

What happens when smooth muscle contracts and where is the effect of smooth muscle most obvious?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Why may controlling flow of air to alveoli be important?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What does the epithelium consist of and what do these have?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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