Small Airways

What surrounds the outside of a normal airway?

• Bands of smooth muscle

• Cartilage rings

• A layer of fat

• Blood vessels

What is the purpose of the thin layer of mucus in the airway?

• To warm the air

• To produce sound

• To clear away foreign particles and irritants

• To absorb nutrients

What happens to the airway during an asthma attack?

• It produces less mucus

• It becomes inflamed and may narrow

• It becomes less sensitive

• It expands

Which of the following is NOT a change that occurs in the airway during an asthma attack?

• Muscle tightening

• Airway dilation

• Excess mucus production

• Airway inflammation

What can make it difficult to move air into and out of the lungs during an asthma attack?

• Increased airway hydration

• Increased airway size

• Decreased sensitivity of the airway

• Airway inflammation, excess mucus production, and muscle tightening

Describe the following anatomy of the small airways: 1) Within airway 2) Outside airway

Describe the following protective mechanisms used by the airways: 1) Inside airway 2) Outside airway