Question

compare the structural features of the esophagus (a tube posterior to the trachea), trachea and small airways and how this relates to their functions. Discuss the compositions of the esophagus and lung tissue by comparing their density when placed in water.

Answer 1

STRUCTURAL FEATURES :

ESOPHAGUS-The esophagus is muscular tube connecting to throatwith the stomach.it is 8inches long,lined by moost pink tissue called mucosa.it run behind winpipe and heart and in front of spine, produces wave like motions to propel food.

TRACHEA:It is composed of about 20rings of tough cartilage.the back part of each ring is made of muscle and connective tissue.moist smooth tissue called mucosa lines it inside part,it widens and lengthens slightly with each breath in,returning to its resting size with each breath out.

SMALL AIRWAYS: It can be several order of magnitudes greater than the total cross sectional area of the large airways.as a result small airways are fully developed laminar flow.

The trachea and esophagus are located so close together because if the eesophagus didnt "backup" the trachea,the person would have died a long time ago by asphyxiation cause by stuffy noe.the esophgus accomodate different sizes and consistencies of food.the trachea connects the upper airways to the lungs.Both trachea and esophagus perform transport functions and are muscular tubes lined by mucous membrane.hence their structural features are related to their functions.