Textbook Question
The detergent-like substance that keeps the alveoli from collapsing between breaths because it reduces the surface tension of the water film in the alveoli is called:
a. Lecithin
b. Bile
c. Surfactant
d. Reluctant
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Ch. 22 The Respiratory System
Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 The Human Body: An Orientation24
- Ch. 2 Chemistry Comes Alive25
- Ch. 3 Cells: The Living Units21
- Ch. 4 Tissue: The Living Fabric20
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System11
- Ch. 6 Bones and Skeletal Tissues19
- Ch. 7 The Skeleton14
- Ch. 8 Joints7
- Ch. 9 Muscles and Muscle Tissue26
- Ch. 10 The Muscular System26
- Ch. 11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue19
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System26
- Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System and Reflex Activity32
- Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System19
- Ch. 15 The Special Senses26
- Ch. 16 The Endocrine System23
- Ch. 17 Blood25
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System: The Heart24
- Ch. 19 The Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels27
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Lymphoid Organs and Tissues14
- Ch. 21 The Immune System: Innate and Adaptive Body Defenses27
- Ch. 22 The Respiratory System21
- Ch. 23 The Digestive System31
- Ch. 24 Nutrition, Metabolism, and Energy Balance26
- Ch. 25 The Urinary System26
- Ch. 26 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance24
- Ch. 27 The Reproductive System24
- Ch. 28 Pregnancy and Human Development25
- Ch. 29 Heredity11
Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 22, Problem 1
Cutting the phrenic nerves will result in:
a. Air entering the pleural cavity
b. Paralysis of the diaphragm
c. Stimulation of the diaphragmatic reflex
d. Paralysis of the epiglottis
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the role of the phrenic nerves. The phrenic nerves originate from the cervical spinal cord (C3-C5) and are responsible for motor innervation to the diaphragm, which is the primary muscle involved in breathing.
Step 2: Analyze the consequences of cutting the phrenic nerves. If the phrenic nerves are severed, the diaphragm will lose its motor innervation, leading to paralysis of the diaphragm. This would impair the ability to contract and relax the diaphragm, which is essential for normal breathing.
Step 3: Evaluate the options provided in the question. Option (a) refers to air entering the pleural cavity, which is associated with pneumothorax and not directly related to cutting the phrenic nerves. Option (c) mentions stimulation of the diaphragmatic reflex, which would not occur if the nerves are cut. Option (d) refers to paralysis of the epiglottis, which is unrelated to the phrenic nerves as the epiglottis is controlled by other nerves.
Step 4: Focus on option (b), which states 'Paralysis of the diaphragm.' This aligns with the physiological consequence of cutting the phrenic nerves, as the diaphragm would no longer receive motor signals.
Step 5: Conclude that cutting the phrenic nerves results in paralysis of the diaphragm, as this is the most accurate and relevant outcome based on the anatomy and physiology of the phrenic nerves.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Phrenic Nerve Function
The phrenic nerves are crucial for diaphragm function, as they provide motor innervation to the diaphragm muscle. When these nerves are intact, they stimulate the diaphragm to contract, facilitating inhalation. Damage or cutting of the phrenic nerves disrupts this process, leading to respiratory complications.
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Functional Groups
Diaphragm Anatomy and Physiology
The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and plays a key role in breathing. Its contraction lowers the diaphragm, increasing thoracic volume and allowing air to flow into the lungs. Paralysis of the diaphragm, due to phrenic nerve damage, results in impaired breathing and reduced lung capacity.
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02:52What is Anatomy & Physiology? Example 1
Respiratory Reflexes
Respiratory reflexes involve automatic responses that regulate breathing patterns, including the diaphragmatic reflex. This reflex can be stimulated by various factors, such as changes in carbon dioxide levels. However, if the phrenic nerves are cut, the reflex mechanisms that depend on diaphragm movement are compromised, leading to ineffective respiratory responses.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Which of the following laryngeal cartilages is/are not paired?
a. Epiglottis
b. Arytenoid
c. Cricoid
d. Cuneiform
e. Corniculate
Textbook Question
Under ordinary circumstances, the inflation reflex is initiated by:
a. Noxious chemicals
b. The ventral respiratory group
c. Overinflation of the alveoli and bronchioles
d. The pontine respiratory centers
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