Activity 7 – The Respiratory System 🔬🎨

[1] Larynx

Description: Located in the anterior portion of the neck is a cartilaginous segment of the respiratory tract, the larynx, which is held in position by muscles and ligaments. It is about 4 to 5 cm in length and width, with a slightly shorter anterior-posterior diameter. Its main function is to protect the lower respiratory tract from aspirating food into the trachea while breathing. It serves as a voice box for producing sounds and articulating speech. Larynx is significantly larger in men than women as a large larynx is associated with a deeper voice.

[2] Lung Cat

Description: There are two sets of lungs on either side of a cat’s chest cavity. They surround the heart and fill most of the chest between the neck’s base and diaphragm. Their primary function is to provide a huge surface area where gases are allowed to exchange between the body’s circulation and the outside atmosphere. A well-coordinated interaction among the lungs, central nervous system, diaphragm, and circulatory system facilitates the physical act of breathing.

[3] Lung Human

Description: The human lung has a spongy texture and a pinkish-gray color. It is composed of an apex, base, three surfaces, and three borders, as well as costal, mediastinal, and diaphragmatic surfaces. Its chief function is to promote gas exchange, which takes place in the alveoli. Through the blood-air barrier, an efficient pulmonary gas exchange is achieved. The oxygen diffuses from the alveolar air into the capillary blood, while carbon dioxide goes in the opposite direction, excreted by the body through exhalation.

[4] Trachea Mammal

Description: The trachea originates from the inferior end of the larynx and connects to the left and main stem bronchus. It is considered a midline structure and lies anterior to the esophagus. It is 16 to 20 C-shaped of cartilage rings stacked one on top of another, linked together by a narrow thin membrane. It has four layers namely the mucosa, submucosa, hyaline cartilage, and adventitia. The trachea is responsible for allowing the passage of inhaled and exhaled air into and out of the lungs.

References:

Suárez-Quintanilla J, Fernández Cabrera A, Sharma S. Anatomy, Head and Neck: Larynx. [Updated 2023 Sep 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538202/

Spielman, B. (2015). Structure and Function of the Respiratory Tract in Cats. https://www.petplace.com/article/cats/pet-health/structure-and-function-of-the-respiratory-tract-in-cats

Chaudhry R, Omole AE, Bordoni B. Anatomy, Thorax, Lungs. [Updated 2024 Apr 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470197

Downey RP, Samra NS. Anatomy, Thorax, Tracheobronchial Tree. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556044/