Tissues That Make Up The Respiratory System
Nose and Nasal Cavity
The NOSE consists of cartilage, bone, muscle, and skin. Both the NOSE and the ears are made of a strong flexible connective tissue.The SEPTUM (consists of very thin pieces of bone) separates the nostrils of the nasal cavity. The NASAL CAVITY is lined with stratified squamous epithelium.
Pharynx
PHARYNX is made up of the fibromuscular tube that consists of a ring of specialized lymphatic tissue. The regions of the pharynx are nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx. The oropharynx consists of stratified squamous epithelium and the laryngopharynx consists of respiratory pseudostratified. Clusters of lymphatic tissue called TONSILS are found in the pharynx. High in the nasopharynx is the PHARYNGEAL TONSILS (adenoid). In the oropharynx, there are the PALATINE TONSILS at the end of the soft palate. At the base of the tongue, are the LINGUAL TONSILS.
Larynx
The LARYNX is made up of of cartilage, ligaments, muscles, and mucous membrane surrounded by fibrous tissue.
Epiglottis
The EPIGLOTTIS is formed by eight rigid hyaline cartilages and a spoon-shaped flap of elastic cartilage.
Glottis
The GLOTTIS is the space between the vocal cords and cartilage.
Trachea
The TRACHEA consists of mucosa-inner layer made up of psuedostratified ciliated columnar epithelium tissue, submucosa middle layer (made up of connective tissue) and adventila (made up of hyaline cartilage).
Primary Bronchi
The PRIMARY BRONCHI consists of three layers:
-Outer layer: made of dense fibrous tissue, reinforced with cartilage
-Middle layer: network of smooth muscle
-Inner layer: ciliate mucous membrane
-Outer layer: made of dense fibrous tissue, reinforced with cartilage
-Middle layer: network of smooth muscle
-Inner layer: ciliate mucous membrane
Bronchioles
Ciliated simple columnar cells form the epithelial lining in the BRONCHIOLES and a ring of smooth muscle fibers surround it.
Lungs
The LUNG is made of squamous epithelium and elastic tissue. The interior of the lungs consists of spongy tissues containing capillaries.
Alveoli and Alveolar Ducts
The ALVEOLI and ALVEOLAR DUCTS are composed of thin simple squamous epithelium.
Diaphragm
The DIAPHRAGM consists of skeletal, visceral, cardiac, and striated muscle tissue.