Patho (Prefinal) L1

Respiratory System Overview

• The respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange, bringing oxygen into the body and removing carbon dioxide.
• Organs of the respiratory system include the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs.
• Pulmonary alveoli are the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Upper Respiratory Tract

• Nasal cavity: Warms, humidifies, and filters air.
• Pharynx: Passageway for air and food.
• Larynx: Voice box, contains vocal cords.

Lower Respiratory Tract

• Trachea: Windpipe; carries air to the bronchi.
• Primary bronchi: Branches of the trachea leading to each lung.
• Bronchioles: Smaller branches of the bronchi.
• Lungs: Main organs of gas exchange; composed of alveoli.

Pulmonary Alveoli

• Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs, responsible for gas exchange.
• Alveolar ducts and sacs are parts of the respiratory system connected to the alveoli.

Lungs (Detailed Anatomy)

• Lungs consist of lobes (superior, middle, and inferior on the right lung; superior and inferior on the left).
• Bronchi further divide into secondary and tertiary bronchi, finally into bronchioles that lead to the alveoli.

Imaging of the Respiratory System

• X-rays and CT scans are used to visualize the structures in the respiratory system, aiding in diagnosing problems or injuries including diseases like pneumonia or lung damage.
• A proper visualization of the tubes, the lungs, and the position of medical devices like catheters is very important.
• Radiographic findings and their relationship to disease processes are important.

Endotracheal Tube (ETT)

• A flexible tube inserted into the trachea (windpipe).
• Used during surgery or to support breathing in people with lung disease, chest trauma, or airway obstruction.
• Proper placement is critical to avoid complications.
• Daily checks are required for ETT to ensure it remains in the correct spot.

Central Venous Catheter (CVC)

• A device inserted into a large vein, typically near the heart (e.g., internal jugular, subclavian, femoral).
• Used for administering medications, providing nutrition, and conducting medical tests. Positioning of CVC is important for preventing complications that can arise during insertion.

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)

• A central venous catheter inserted into a peripheral vein.
• Usually in the arm.

Swan-Ganz Catheter

• A specialized catheter used for measuring pressures in the heart and lungs.
• Provides information on cardiac function and blood flow.
• Radiographic assessment is important for confirming accurate placement in the pulmonary artery.

Transvenous Endocardial Pacing

• A method for maintaining cardiac rhythm in patients with heart block or Brady arrhythmias.
• Radiographic evaluation is crucial for initial placement and detection of complications following the insertion.
• Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) are types of cardiac conduction devices.

Lung Abnormal Appearances

• Reticular densities: Fine and medium types, seen in various lung conditions.
• Hazy Densities: Appear hazy on imaging, indicating various lung complications.
• Consolidation: Sections of the lung appear solid or filled with fluid material on imaging.

Congenital/Hereditary Respiratory Disorders

• Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic disorder causing thick mucus buildup in the airways.
• Hyaline Membrane Disease (HMD): Affects premature infants; causes lung immaturity.

Inflammatory Respiratory Disorders

• Croup: A viral infection causing inflammatory swelling in the subglottic trachea.
• Epiglottitis: Bacterial infection of the epiglottis characterized by its swelling.
• Pneumonia: Infection inflammation of the alveoli in one or both lungs leading to fluid buildup. - Alveolar pneumonia, Bronchopneumonia and Interstitial Pneumonia
• Aspiration Pneumonia: A type of pneumonia due to aspiration or inhalation of substances from the mouth or esophagus, commonly seen in the lower lobes.
• Anthrax: A serious bacterial infection, sometimes contracted through inhalation or contact with contaminated animals or products, often shows mediastinal widening on chest images.
• Lung Abscess: A localized necrotic area in the lung containing purulent material.

Tuberculosis

• Primary Tuberculosis, Miliary Tuberculosis, Tuberculous Pneumonia, Secondary Tuberculosis, Tuberculoma
• Radiographic findings are important for diagnosing and monitoring the disease.

Pulmonary Mycosis

• Fungal infection of the lung; Histoplasmosis and Coccidioidomycosis are common types.
• Radiographic appearances may mimic other lung conditions.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Includes bronchitis (increased mucus production), emphysema (destruction of alveoli), asthma (airway spasms).
• Radiographs reveal potential changes like bronchovascular markings and signs of lung overinflation.

Additional Respiratory Disorders

• Silicosis, asbestosis, solitary pulmonary nodule, bronchial adenoma, Pulmonary Metastasis
• Imaging features are important for diagnosing and monitoring these conditions.

Test your knowledge on the respiratory system with this quiz covering its overview, components, and functions. Explore the anatomy of the upper and lower respiratory tracts as well as the critical role of pulmonary alveoli in gas exchange.