Respiratory System Overview

Study Notes

Overview of the Respiratory System

Composed of the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.
Primary function: supply oxygen to cells and remove carbon dioxide.

External and Internal Respiration

External Respiration: Involves inhalation of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide.
Internal Respiration: Metabolic process where cells utilize oxygen from capillary blood and release carbon dioxide.

Structure of the Nose

External part includes nostrils (anterior nares) and nasal septum divides nasal cavities.
Nasal cavities have three passages: superior, middle, and inferior conchae.
Functions of the nose include air passageway, warming/moistening air, trapping foreign particles, containing smell receptors, and aiding voice quality.

Pharynx

Also known as the throat, approximately 5 inches long, connects nasal cavities and mouth to the esophagus.
Contains three regions: nasopharynx (behind the nose), oropharynx (behind the mouth), laryngopharynx (behind the larynx).
Has seven openings and contains three pairs of lymphatic tissues: pharyngeal tonsils (adenoids), palatine tonsils, lingual tonsils.
Functions: passageway for air and food, aids in phonation.

Larynx

Commonly referred to as the voice box, situated at the top of the trachea.
Contains vocal cords that produce sound influenced by their tension and length.
Includes cartilage structures like the thyroid cartilage (larger in males), epiglottis (prevents choking), and cricoid cartilage.

Trachea

A smooth, muscular tube (windpipe) connecting larynx to bronchi.
Contains C-shaped cartilage rings for structural support and is approximately 1 inch in diameter and 4.5 inches long.

Bronchi

Divides from the trachea into right and left bronchi, leading to lungs.
The left bronchus is smaller than the right to accommodate the heart.
If a foreign object is inhaled, it typically lodges in the larger right bronchus.

Lungs

Two spongy organs in the thorax, each consisting of lobes (right lung has 3 lobes, left has 2 due to the heart's placement).
Approximately 300 million alveoli provide the site for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.
Interconnected with blood vessels for transportation of gases.

Respiration Mechanics

The diaphragm aids in breathing by contracting downward during inhalation and pushing upward during exhalation.
Tidal volume: the amount of air exchanged in normal breathing (~500 ml).
Total lung capacity ranges from 3.6 to 9.4 liters in average males.

Pathologies

Pneumonia: Inflammation of alveoli due to infection, may lead to fluid accumulation.
Aspiration Pneumonia: Occurs when stomach contents are inhaled into the lungs, particularly in unconscious individuals.

Vital Signs

Key indicators of health: temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.
Normal respiratory rate: 20-25 breaths/min for children (5 years old), 15-20 breaths/min for adults (15 years or older).

Description

This quiz covers the components and functions of the respiratory system including the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. It emphasizes the importance of both external and internal respiration in oxygen delivery and waste removal. Test your understanding of how these parts work together to support life.