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