Major Organs of the Respiratory System

Study Notes

Major Organs of the Respiratory System

Organs include the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, and lungs.
Each organ plays a role in facilitating gas exchange and protecting the respiratory tract.

Upper Respiratory Tract

Comprises the nose, pharynx, and larynx.
Nose: Features a nasal septum, nasal polyps, and potential for conditions like sinusitis.
Pharynx: Divided into nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx; serves as a passage for food and air, includes tonsils for immune protection, about 12.5 cm long.
Larynx: Known as the voice box; includes thyroid cartilage and epiglottis; important for voice production and air distribution.

Conditions of the Upper Respiratory Tract

Common conditions include rhinitis (infectious and allergic), pharyngitis, laryngitis, epiglottitis, croup, and laryngeal cancer.
Anatomical disorders may involve a deviated septum and epistaxis (nosebleed).

Lower Respiratory Tract

Composed of the trachea, bronchial tree, and lungs.
Trachea: About 11 cm long, lined with a mucous membrane, and supported by C-shaped cartilage rings; serves as an airway to the lungs.
Bronchial Tree: Includes primary bronchi (right bronchus is more vertical), secondary bronchi, bronchioles, and alveolar sacs; primary route for air distribution.

Lung Structure and Functions

Right lung: 3 lobes; Left lung: 2 lobes (superior and inferior).
Alveoli: Site of gas exchange; surfactant produced to reduce surface tension.
Lungs fill the chest cavity; apex at the top and base at the bottom.

Respiratory Distress

Conditions include infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Impairment of alveolar inflation is critical.

Pleura and Disorders

Pleura: Moist, smooth membrane aiding in pulmonary ventilation.
Disorders include pleurisy, atelectasis, pneumothorax, and hemothorax.

Lower Respiratory Tract Disorders

Include acute bronchitis, pneumonia (varieties: lobar, bronchopneumonia, aspiration), and tuberculosis.
Differentiated into restrictive and obstructive pulmonary disorders:
- COPD: Comprising chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
- Asthma: Characterized by obstructed airflow.

Respiration Mechanics

Respiratory process includes inspiration (active) and expiration (passive).
The diaphragm plays a crucial role in inhalation, creating negative pressure to draw air into the lungs.

Description

Explore the major organs of the respiratory system, including the upper and lower tracts. This quiz covers the functions, anatomical structures, and common conditions affecting the respiratory organs. Test your knowledge on the intricacies of how we breathe and protect against diseases.