Summary Function of the Upper and Lower Respiratory Tracts

By Carolyn Kisner PT, MS and Lynn Allen Colby PT, MS on January 28th 2009

The upper and lower respiratory tracts, as a unit, serve the following functions. They:
• Conduct air to and from the alveolar system for gas exchange
• Assist with humidification and trap small particles to clean the air with the mucosal lining
• Warm the air by the vascular supply
• Move mucus upward with the cilia
• Elicit the cough reflex to clear the larger airways

The Lungs and Pleurae

The lungs and pleurae are made up of the following components. The right lung has three lobes the upper, middle, and lower and 10 bronchopulmonary segments. The left lung has two true lobes the upper and lower and a slip of lung called the lingula, which is not considered a “true” lobe of the lungs. The left lung has eight bronchopulmonary segments. The lobes of the lungs are depicted in

Each lung is covered in pleura, a serous membrane known as the visceral pleura. This membrane adheres to all surfaces of each lung. The parietal pleura lines the inside of the thoracic wall. The parietal pleura is sensitive to pain, but the visceral pleura appears to be insensitive. A negative pressure in the minute space between the pleurae serves to keep the lungs inflated. Pleural fluid is found between the pleurae and lubricates the pleurae as they slide on each other during ventilation.

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