Respiratory System
Diana Ventura
Per. 1
Major functions of the
respiratory system
Internal and
external respiration
Organs of the respiratory system and location
(upper and lower respiratory track)
Breathing mechanism
Definitions of lung capacity terminology
Anatomy of the respiratory tract
Differences between the right and left lung and right and left
primary bronchi
Disorders of the respiratory system
External
Internal
Tuberculosis- bacterial infection in the respiratory system caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
The respiratory system consists of tubes that filter, warm, and moisturize incoming air and transport it into the microscopic alveoli where gases are exchanged. The entire process of exchanging gases between the atmosphere and body cells is called respiration and consists of the following: ventilation, gas exchange between blood an lungs (external respiration), gas transport in the bloodstream, gas exchange between the blood and body cells (internal respiration), and cellular respiration
Left Lung- much longer than the right lung and only has 2 lobes
Forceful Expiration- involves decreasing the size of the thoracic cavity by these expiratory muscles (coughing, singing, some speech patterns, heavy work). Reduction in the size of the thoracic cavity increases its pressure, and air leaves the lungs
Filters irritants from inspired air and
eliminates them through coughing and
sneezing
Enables sound production as expired air
passes over the vocal chords
Gas Exchange- supplies oxygen and removes carbon dioxide
Controls acid-base balance and blood pH
Distribution of Air- filters, warms, humidifies air
Allows olfaction (smell)
Lower Tract
Pnuemonia- bacterial or viral infection of the lungs
Lung Cancer- uncontrolled cell growth and development of tumors in the lungs
Pnuemothorax- collapsed lung (air leaked into pleural space)
Seasonal Flu- a viral infection; There are many variations of this virus and it changes rapidly year-to-year which changes the severity of symptoms
Asthma- caused by chronically inflamed,
hypersensitive bronchial passages caused by allergens
COPD- chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder; includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma
Black Lung Disease- medically known in it's early stages as coal workers' pneumoconiosis, is the world's most widespread disease caused by mineral dust
Smoker's Lungs- appear dark and mottled owing accumulation of inhaled tar and impurities from cigarettes
Total Lung Capacity- total volume of air that lungs can hold. TLC = VC + RV
Vital Capacity- maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after taking the deepest breath possible. VC = TV + IRV + ERV
Functional Residual Capacity- volume of air that remains in the lungs following exhalation of tidal volume. FRC = ERV + RV
Inspirational Capacity- maximum volume of air that can be inhaled following exhalation of tidal volume. IC = TV + IRV
Carbon dioxide moves from tissue cells into capillary
blood
Close proximity of capillaries in the lungs allows exchange of gases between blood and
alveoli by diffusion
Hemoglobin combines with carbon dioxide, forming
carbaminohemoglobin
Oxyhemoglobin (oxygen + hemoglobin) breaks down
into oxygen and hemoglobin
Oxygen moves out of blood in the capillary and into
tissue cells.
Oxygen moves from alveoli (high oxygen concentration) into lung capillary blood (low oxygen concentration)
Carbon dioxide moves out of lung capillary blood (high
concentration) into alveolar air (low concentration) and
out of body in expired air
Trachea- extends downward anterior to the esophagus and into the thoracic cavity, where it splits into right and left primary bronchi
Bronchial Tree- Consists of branched mucous membrane-lined tubes leading from the trachea to the alveoli that warm, moisten, and filter incoming air
Lungs- right and left soft, spongy, cone-shaped lungs
separated medially by the mediastinum
Upper Tract
Sinuses- air-filled spaces (cavities) within the maxillary, frontal, ethmoid, and sphenoid bones of the skull
Pharynx- a common passageway for air and food
Nasal Cavity- sense of smell located in mucosa on superior surface
Nose- provides an entrance for air
Alveoli- air sacs. Out-pouching of alveolar duct. Sites of gas exchange surrounded by capillaries. Produce surfactant (coats alveolar surfaces) allows alveoli to expand
Larynx- an enlargement in the airway superior to the
trachea and inferior to the pharynx. Helps keep particles from entering the trachea
External Expiration- close proximity of capillaries in the lungs allows exchange of gases between blood and alveoli by diffusion. Oxygen moves from alveoli (high oxygen concentration) into lung capillary blood (low oxygen concentration). Carbon dioxide moves out of lung capillary blood (high
concentration) into alveolar air (low concentration) and out of body in expired air
Expiration- movement of air out of lungs. Thorax returns to its resting size and shape. Diaphragm and external intercostal muscles relax and lungs recoil. Decreases the volume of the thoracic cavity, which increases pressure above atmospheric pressure – air rushes out of the lungs
Inspiration- movement of air into lungs. Increase in size of chest cavity reduces pressure within, and air enters the lungs (higher pressure air from outside goes into the lower pressure inside the lungs). Atmospheric pressure is the force that moves air into the lungs
Internal Respiration- oxygen moves out of blood in the capillary and into tissue cells. Carbon dioxide moves from tissue cells into capillary blood
Breathing- ventilation, respiration; is the movement of air from outside the body into, and then out of the lungs (bronchial tree and alveoli)
Right Primary Bronchi- much wider than the left primary bronchi and divides into 3 lobar bronchi
Right Lung- much shorter than the left lung and has 3 lobes
Left Primary Bronchi- much thinner and longer than the right primary bronchi and divides into 2 lobar bronchi