4.2 – Anatomy (Structures) of the Respiratory System
The Nose and its Adjacent Structures
The major entrance and exit for the respiratory system is through the nose. When discussing the nose, it is helpful to divide it into two major sections:
The nares open into the nasal cavity, which is separated into left and right sections by the nasal septum (Figure 4.2). The nasal septum is formed anteriorly by a portion of the septal cartilage and posteriorly by the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone and the thin vomer bones.
Each lateral wall of the nasal cavity has three bony projections the inferior conchae are separate bones and the superior and middle conchae are portions of the ethmoid bone. Conchae increase the surface area of the nasal cavity and disrupt the flow of air as it enters the nose, causing air to bounce along the epithelium, where it is cleaned and warmed. The conchae and meatuses trap water during exhalation preventing dehydration.
The floor of the nasal cavity is composed of the hard palate and the soft palate. Air exits the nasal cavities via the internal nares and moves into the pharynx.
Paranasal sinuses serve to warm and humidify incoming air and are lined with a mucosa which produces mucus. Paranasal sinuses are named for their associated bone:
- frontal sinus
- maxillary sinus
- sphenoidal sinus
- ethmoidal sinus
The nares and anterior portion of the nasal cavities are lined with mucous membranes, containing sebaceous glands and hair follicles that serve to prevent the passage of large debris, such as dirt, through the nasal cavity. An olfactory epithelium used to detect odors is found deeper in the nasal cavity.
The conchae, meatuses, and paranasal sinuses are lined by respiratory epithelium composed of pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium (Figure 4.3). The epithelium contains specialized epithelial cells that produce mucus to trap debris. The cilia of the respiratory epithelium help to remove mucus and debris with a constant beating motion, sweeping materials towards the throat to be swallowed.
This moist epithelium functions to warm and humidify incoming air. Capillaries located just beneath the nasal epithelium warm the air by convection. Serous and mucus-producing cells also secrete defensins, immune cells patrol the connective tissue providing additional protection.
Did You Know 1?
Pharynx
The pharynx is divided into three major regions: the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, and the laryngopharynx (see Figure 4.4).
At the top of the nasopharynx are the pharyngeal tonsils. The function of the pharyngeal tonsil is not well understood, but it contains a rich supply of lymphocytes and is covered with ciliated epithelium that traps and destroys invading pathogens that enter during inhalation. The pharyngeal tonsils are large in children, but tend to regress with age and may even disappear. The uvula and soft palate move like a pendulum during swallowing, swinging upward to close off the nasopharynx to prevent ingested materials from entering the nasal cavity. Auditory (Eustachian) tubes that connect to each middle ear cavity open into the nasopharynx. This connection is why colds often lead to ear infections.
The oropharynx is bordered superiorly by the nasopharynx and anteriorly by the oral cavity. The oropharynx contains two distinct sets of tonsils:
- The palatine tonsils.
- A palatine tonsil is one of a pair of structures located laterally in the oropharynx in the area of the fauces.
- The lingual tonsils.
- The lingual tonsil is located at the base of the tongue.
Similar to the pharyngeal tonsil, the palatine and lingual tonsils are composed of lymphoid tissue, and trap and destroy pathogens entering the body through the oral or nasal cavities.
The laryngopharynx is inferior to the oropharynx and posterior to the larynx. It continues the route for ingested material and air until its inferior end, where the digestive and respiratory systems diverge. The stratified squamous epithelium of the oropharynx is continuous with the laryngopharynx. Anteriorly, the laryngopharynx opens into the larynx, whereas posteriorly, it enters the esophagus.
Larynx
The structure of the larynx is formed by several pieces of cartilage. Three large cartilage pieces form the major structure of the larynx.
- Thyroid cartilage (anterior):
- The thyroid cartilage is the largest piece of cartilage that makes up the larynx. The thyroid cartilage consists of the laryngeal prominence, or “Adam’s apple,” which tends to be more prominent in males.
- Epiglottis (superior):
- Three smaller, paired cartilages—the arytenoids, corniculates, and cuneiforms—attach to the epiglottis and the vocal cords and muscle that help move the vocal cords to produce speech.
- Cricoid cartilage (inferior):
- The thick cricoid cartilage forms a ring, with a wide posterior region and a thinner anterior region.
Did You Know 2?
When the epiglottis is in the “closed” position, the unattached end of the epiglottis rests on the glottis. A vestibular fold, or false vocal cord, is one of a pair of folded sections of mucous membrane. A true vocal cord is one of the white, membranous folds attached by muscle to the thyroid and arytenoid cartilages of the larynx on their outer edges. The inner edges of the true vocal cords are free, allowing oscillation to produce sound.
The act of swallowing causes the pharynx and larynx to lift upward, allowing the pharynx to expand and the epiglottis of the larynx to swing downward, closing the opening to the trachea. These movements produce a larger area for food to pass through, while preventing food and beverages from entering the trachea.
Similar to the nasal cavity and nasopharynx, this specialized epithelium produces mucus to trap debris and pathogens as they enter the trachea. The cilia beat the mucus upward towards the laryngopharynx, where it can be swallowed down the esophagus.
Trachea
The trachea is formed by 16 to 20 stacked, C-shaped pieces of hyaline cartilage that are connected by dense connective tissue. The trachealis muscle and elastic connective tissue together form the fibroelastic membrane. The fibroelastic membrane allows the trachea to stretch and expand slightly during inhalation and exhalation, whereas the rings of cartilage provide structural support and prevent the trachea from collapsing. The trachealis muscle can be contracted to force air through the trachea during exhalation. The trachea is lined with pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium, which is continuous with the larynx. The esophagus borders the trachea posteriorly.
Bronchial Tree
The trachea branches into the right and left primary bronchi at the carina. These bronchi are also lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium containing mucus-producing goblet cells (Figure 4.7b). The carina is a raised structure that contains specialized nervous tissue that induces violent coughing if a foreign body, such as food, is present. Rings of cartilage, similar to those of the trachea, support the structure of the bronchi and prevent their collapse. The primary bronchi enter the lungs at the hilum. The bronchi continue to branch into bronchial a tree. A bronchial tree (or respiratory tree) is the collective term used for these multiple-branched bronchi. The main function of the bronchi, like other conducting zone structures, is to provide a passageway for air to move into and out of each lung. The mucous membrane traps debris and pathogens.
A bronchiole branches from the tertiary bronchi. Bronchioles, which are about 1 mm in diameter, further branch until they become the tiny terminal bronchioles, which lead to the structures of gas exchange. There are more than 1000 terminal bronchioles in each lung. The muscular walls of the bronchioles do not contain cartilage like those of the bronchi. This muscular wall can change the size of the tubing to increase or decrease airflow through the tube.
Respiratory Zone
In contrast to the conducting zone, the respiratory zone includes structures that are directly involved in gas exchange. The respiratory zone begins where the terminal bronchioles join a respiratory bronchiole, the smallest type of bronchiole (see Figure 4.8), which then leads to an alveolar duct, opening into a cluster of alveoli.
Alveoli
An alveolar duct opens into a cluster of alveoli. An alveolus is one of the many small, grape-like sacs that are attached to the alveolar ducts. An alveolar sac is a cluster of many individual alveoli that are responsible for gas exchange. An alveolus is approximately 200 μm in diameter with elastic walls that allow the alveolus to stretch during air intake, which greatly increases the surface area available for gas exchange. Alveoli are connected to their neighbors by alveolar pores, which help maintain equal air pressure throughout the alveoli and lung (see Figure 4.9).
Concept Check
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- What are the components of the bronchial tree?
- What is the purpose of cilia?
- Where does gas exchange take place?
Gross Anatomy of the Lungs
The lungs are pyramid-shaped, paired organs that are connected to the trachea by the right and left bronchi; on the inferior surface, the lungs are bordered by the diaphragm. The lungs are enclosed by the pleurae, which are attached to the mediastinum. The right lung is shorter and wider than the left lung, and the left lung occupies a smaller volume than the right. The cardiac notch allows space for the heart (see Figure 4.10). The apex of the lung is the superior region, whereas the base is the opposite region near the diaphragm. The costal surface of the lung borders the ribs. The mediastinal surface faces the midline.
Each lung is composed of smaller units called lobes. Fissures separate these lobes from each other. The right lung consists of three lobes: the superior, middle, and inferior lobes. The left lung consists of two lobes: the superior and inferior lobes. A pulmonary lobule is a subdivision formed as the bronchi branch into bronchioles. Each lobule receives its own large bronchiole that has multiple branches. An interlobular septum is a wall, composed of connective tissue, which separates lobules from one another.
Labeling the Respiratory System
Can you correctly label the respiratory system structures?
Labeling the Respiratory System (Text Version)
Label the diagram with correct words listed below:
- Left Bronchus
- Trachea
- Pharynx
- Diaphragm
- Right Bronchus
- Right Lung
- Left Lung
- Oral Cavity
- Nasal Cavity
- Larynx
- Nostril
Labeling the Respiratory System Diagram (Text version)
This is an anatomical diagram of the major organs and structure of the human respiratory system. Identified starting from the top of the diagram is the organs and structures which serve as a passageway for air and include, _______[Blank 1] which warms and moistens the air, the ______[Blank 2] where air enters the respiratory system and travels to the _______[Blank 3] also know as the mouth, from the mouth the air moves to the _______[Blank 4], then to through the voice box correctly called the ________[Blank 5], and passes into the ________[Blank 6] often referred to as the windpipe. The trachea bifurcates meaning it separates into two anatomical branches each leading to each lung, on the right side is the __________[Blank 7], on the left side, the _________[Blank 8]. Air arrives at the lungs to allow for the exchange of gases arrives and enters on the right side into the _________[Blank 9] and on the left side the ______[Blank 10]. The muscular partition supporting the lungs known as the ___________[Blank 11]. This detailed illustration supports understanding of the respiratory system’s structure and function.
Check your answers: [1]
Activity source: Respiratory System Anatomy by Kimberlee Carter, illustration from Anatomy and Physiology (OpenStax), licensed under CC BY 4.0./ Text version added.
Image Descriptions
Figure 4.2 image description: This figure shows a cross section view of the nose and throat. The major parts are labeled. [Return to Figure 4.2].
Figure 4.3 image description: This figure shows a micrograph of pseudostratified epithelium. [Return to Figure 4.3].
Figure 4.4 image description: This figure shows the side view of the face. The different parts of the pharynx are color-coded and labeled (from the top): nasal cavity, hard palate, soft palate, tongue, epiglottis, larynx, esophagus, trachea. [Return to Figure 4.4].
Figure 4.5 image description: The top panel of this figure shows the anterior view of the larynx, and the bottom panel shows the right lateral view of the larynx. [Return to Figure 4.5].
Figure 4.6 image description: This diagram shows the cross section of the larynx. The different types of cartilages are labeled (clockwise from top): pyriform fossa, true vocal cord, epiglottis, tongue, glottis, vestibular fold, trachea, esophagus. [Return to Figure 4.6].
Figure 4.7 image description: The top panel of this figure shows the trachea and its organs. The major parts including the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs are labeled. [Return to Figure 4.7].
Figure 4.8 image description: This image shows the bronchioles and alveolar sacs in the lungs and depicts the exchange of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood in the pulmonary blood vessels. [Return to Figure 4.8].
Figure 4.9 image description: This figure shows the detailed structure of the alveolus. The top panel shows the alveolar sacs and the bronchioles. The middle panel shows a magnified view of the alveolus, and the bottom panel shows a micrograph of the cross section of a bronchiole. [Return to Figure 4.9].
Figure 4.10 image description: Diagram of the lungs with the major parts labelled (from top, clockwise): trachea, superior lobe, main bronchus, lobar bronchus, segmental bronchus, inferior lobe, inferior lobe, middle lobe, superior lobe of the left lung. [Return to Figure 4.10].
Attribution
Except where otherwise noted, this chapter is adapted from “Respiratory System” In Building a Medical Terminology Foundation by Kimberlee Carter and Marie Rutherford licensed under CC BY 4.0. / A derivative of Betts et al., which can be accessed for free from Anatomy and Physiology (OpenStax). Adaptations: dividing Respiratory System chapter content into sub-chapters.
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Check your answers: Labeling the Respiratory System Diagram
This is an anatomical diagram of the major organs and structure of the human respiratory system. Identified starting from the top of the diagram is the organs and structures which serve as a passageway for air and include, nasal cavity which warms and moistens the air, the nostril where air enters the respiratory system and travels to the oral cavity also know as the mouth, from the mouth the air moves to the pharynx, then to through the voice box correctly called the larynx, and passes into the trachea often referred to as the windpipe. The trachea bifurcates meaning it separates into two anatomical branches each leading to each lung, on the right side is the right main bronchus branch, on the left side, the left main bronchus. Air arrives at the lungs to allow for the exchange of gases arrives and enters on the right side into the right lung and on the left side the left lung. The muscular partition supporting the lungs known as the diaphragm. This detailed illustration supports understanding of the respiratory system's structure and function.
The external nose consists of the surface and skeletal structures that result in the outward appearance of the nose and contribute to its numerous functions
nasal cavity
the flexible portion you can touch with your fingers (Betts, et al., 2013)
located at the anterior region of the nasal cavity and is composed of bone
located at the posterior portion of the nasal cavity and consists of muscle tissue
The lysozyme enzyme and proteins which have antibacterial properties (Betts, et al., 2013)
excessive flow or discharge from the nasal cavity (runny nose)
The pharynx is a tube formed by skeletal muscle and lined by mucous membrane that is continuous with that of the nasal cavities (Betts, et al., 2013). Also known as the throat.
pertaining to the pharynx
lymph cells, a type of white blood cell
The uvula is a small bulbous, teardrop-shaped structure located at the apex of the soft palate (Betts, et al., 2013)
The nasopharynx serves as an airway and is continuous with the nasal cavity
The oropharynx is a passageway for both air and food and borders the nasopharynx and the oral cavity (Betts, et al., 2013)
The fauces is the opening at the connection between the oral cavity and the oropharynx
pertaining to the tongue
pertaining to below
pertaining to behind
Pertaining to front
pertaining to behind
The larynx is a cartilaginous structure inferior to the laryngopharynx that connects the pharynx to the trachea and helps regulate the volume of air that enters and leaves the lungs (Betts. et al., 2013) AKA the voice box
pertaining to the larynx
The epiglottis, attached to the thyroid cartilage, is a very flexible piece of elastic cartilage that covers the opening of the trachea (Betts. et al., 2013)
The glottis is composed of the vestibular folds, the true vocal cords, and the space between these folds (Betts et al, 2013)
The trachea (windpipe) extends from the larynx toward the lungs
a flexible membrane that closes the posterior surface of the trachea, connecting the C-shaped cartilages
ridge of cartilage that separates the two main bronchi
A concave region where blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves also enter the lungs
The major functions of the conducting zone are to provide a route for incoming and outgoing air, remove debris and pathogens from the incoming air, and warm and humidify the incoming air. Several structures within the conducting zone perform other functions as well. The epithelium of the nasal passages, for example, is essential to sensing odors, and the bronchial epithelium that lines the lungs can metabolize some airborne carcinogens (Betts, et al., 2013).
the respiratory zone includes structures that are directly involved in gas exchange (Betts, et al., 2013)
a tube composed of smooth muscle and connective tissue (Betts. et al., 2013)
A flat, dome shaped muscle located at the base of the lungs and thoracic cavity
is an indentation on the surface of the left lung