Major Structures of the Respiratory System

Major Structures of the Respiratory System

• The respiratory system facilitates gas exchange, taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.
• The nose and nasal cavity filter, warm, and humidify inhaled air.
• The pharynx (throat) serves as a passageway for both air and food.
• The larynx (voice box) contains vocal cords and plays a role in sound production.
• The trachea (windpipe) is a rigid tube that carries air to the lungs.
• The bronchi are branches of the trachea that lead to the lungs.
• The bronchioles are smaller branches of the bronchi, further dividing into the terminal bronchioles.
• Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Alveoli are surrounded by capillaries for efficient diffusion of gases.
• The lungs are the primary organs of respiration, responsible for gas exchange.

Process of Respiration

• Respiration is a complex process involving multiple steps, including:
  • Ventilation: the movement of air into and out of the lungs.
  • External respiration: gas exchange between the alveoli and the blood.
  • Internal respiration: gas exchange between the blood and the body's tissues.
• Breathing involves the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, creating pressure changes that draw air in and out.

Clinical Examples of Respiratory Membrane Problems

• Problems with the respiratory membrane can lead to various issues.
  • Pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and pulmonary embolism can impair gas exchange leading to hypoxia or respiratory distress. Asthma and cystic fibrosis can also impact effectiveness.

Common Respiratory Tract Infections

• Common respiratory tract infections include the common cold, influenza, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
• These infections often present with symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, and runny nose.
• Differentiating these infections sometimes requires clinical evaluation and tests.

Ventilation and Gas Exchange Disorders

• Ventilation disorders affect the movement of air into and out of the lungs.
• Obstructive lung diseases (asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema) hinder airflow, leading to difficulty breathing.
• Restrictive lung diseases (pulmonary fibrosis and pleurisy) limit lung expansion and decrease lung volume, impacting gas exchange.
• Gas exchange disorders can include respiratory acidosis and alkalosis which can cause electrolyte imbalances and nervous system complications. Further, conditions affecting the respiratory membrane, like pneumonia and pulmonary edema, impede efficient gas exchange.