Respiratory System Case Study Analysis

Respiratory System Case Study

• An 8-month-old boy presented to the emergency room with difficulty breathing.
• Clinicians need to determine a possible diagnosis.
• Clinicians need to assess if the case is life-threatening.

Respiratory System Overview

• The respiratory system encompasses the conducting and respiratory passages.
• Its primary function is gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
• Secondary functions include vocalization and smell.
• Parts of the system include the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, main bronchi, and lungs.

The Nose

• Composed of the external nose and nasal cavity.
• Divided into right and left halves by a septum.
• The external nose includes nostrils and cartilage.
• The nasal cavity is lined with nasal mucosa that warms and humidifies air.

Nasal Cavity

• Extends from the nostrils posteriorly.
• Communicates with nasopharynx.
• Upper region is associated with smell, lower region warms/humidifies air.
• Parts include floor, roof, lateral, and medial walls.
  • The floor is the hard palate.
  • The roof is the cribriform plate.
  • Lateral walls contain conchae (superior, middle, inferior).
  • The medial wall is the nasal septum.

Pharynx

• A fibro-muscular tube connecting the skull base to the esophagus.
• A common passageway for air and food.
• Divided into nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

Larynx

• Responsible for voice production.
• Connects the laryngopharynx to the trachea.
• Contains several cartilages (thyroid, epiglottis, cricoid).
• Epiglottis prevents food from entering the trachea.

Trachea

• Cartilaginous tube connecting the larynx and bronchi.
• Supported by C-shaped cartilages.
• Main function is to provide a passage for air.

Main Bronchi

• Trachea divides into right and left bronchi.
• Right main bronchus is shorter and wider than the left.

Lungs

• Essential organs for respiration.
• Provide oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.
• Spongy and elastic tissue.
• Have lobes (three on the right, two on the left).

Pleura

• Double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs.
• Reduces friction during breathing.
• Consists of parietal (outer) and visceral (inner) layers.
• Fluid-filled pleural cavity between these layers.

Explore a case study involving an 8-month-old boy with breathing difficulties. This quiz assesses your understanding of the respiratory system's anatomy, functions, and potential life-threatening conditions. Test your knowledge on diagnosis and the components of the respiratory tract.