Question

Which of the following are functions of conducting part of the respiratory system? (a) Removal of foreign particles from incoming air. (b) Humidifies incoming air (c) Bring the temperature of incoming air to body temperature. (d) All the above

Short answer

All the above options (a, b, c) are correct functions of the conducting part of the respiratory system. Therefore, the correct answer is (d).

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Conducting Part Function

The conducting part of the respiratory system consists of the structures that primarily facilitate the movement of air into and out of the lungs. This includes the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles but excludes the respiratory division (respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli). They perform several important functions.

Evaluating Option (a)

Option (a) suggests the removal of foreign particles from incoming air as a function. This is true, as the hairs in nasal passage and mucus along the rest of the conducting part filter particles and pathogens from inspired air.

Evaluating Option (b)

Option (b) suggests humidifying the incoming air as a function. This is also true, as the nasal and tracheobronchial mucosa add moisture to incoming dry air.

Evaluating Option (c)

Option (c) suggests bringing the temperature of incoming air to body temperature. This is true as well, because the large amount of blood in nasal and tracheobronchial mucosa helps to warm inspired air to nearly body temperature.

Evaluating Option (d)

Option (d) suggests that all of the above are functions of the conducting part of the respiratory system. As all the previous options are correct, this statement is also correct.

Key concepts

Air Filtration in Respiratory System

The respiratory system serves a key role in protecting the body from harmful particles and pathogens found in the air. When we breathe in, the air first enters the nasal passages where it encounters small hairs, called cilia. These hairs act as a preliminary filter, trapping larger particles like dust and pollen.

As air moves deeper into the respiratory tract, it passes through more sophisticated filtering mechanisms. The mucus lining the nasal cavity and other parts of the conducting airway further captures smaller particles and microbes. This sticky mucus traps unwanted particles, preventing them from proceeding into the lungs.

Here are some highlights of the air filtration process:

• The cilia and mucus serve as key defenders against air pollutants.
• Trapping of bacteria and viruses minimizes respiratory infections.
• Removal of particulates enhances overall lung function.

Role of Nasal and Tracheobronchial Mucosa

The nasal and tracheobronchial mucosa play essential roles beyond just filtering air. These mucosae are moist linings that perform critical tasks in conditioning the air we breathe.

First and foremost, they humidify incoming air. The air can often be dry, especially in colder climates or indoor environments. By adding moisture, the mucosa helps to keep the airways moist, reducing irritation and promoting efficient gas exchange.

Furthermore, the nasopharyngeal mucosa helps to detect smells, enabling the olfactory system, and is connected to the immune function by trapping and signaling immune responses to pathogens.

Key functions of the nasal and tracheobronchial mucosa include:

• Humidifying dry air to ease breathing.
• Cleansing air of potential harmful agents.
• Contributing to smell detection and initiating immune responses.

Temperature Regulation of Inspired Air

The process of breathing involves more than just exchanging gases; it also requires adjusting the air to suitable temperature levels for the body. When we inhale, the air we bring in from the environment can be much cooler or sometimes hotter than our body's needs. That's where the temperature regulation function comes into play.

The nasal passages and tracheobronchial segments are richly supplied with blood vessels. These vessels bring warm blood close to the surface of the airways. This warmth is transferred to the air, heating it to approximate body temperature before it reaches the delicate tissues of the lungs.

Here’s why temperature regulation is crucial:

• Ensures that the air reaching the lungs is at an optimal temperature.
• Prevents damage to the delicate respiratory tissues from extreme temperatures.
• Enhances comfort and efficiency in gas exchange.