The Respiratory System PDF

# The Respiratory System ## BSAB2 Group 2 | Kristin Clemente & Jhunela Penaflorida ## Introduction The respiratory system is responsible for taking in oxygen from the air and expelling carbon dioxide. The main organ in the respiratory system is the lungs, but other organs, such as the nose, trach...

# The Respiratory System ## BSAB2 Group 2 | Kristin Clemente & Jhunela Penaflorida ## Introduction The respiratory system is responsible for taking in oxygen from the air and expelling carbon dioxide. The main organ in the respiratory system is the lungs, but other organs, such as the nose, trachea, and breathing muscles, are also vital. ## Basic Functions The respiratory system performs several important functions: - **Gas Exchange**: Oxygen is transported from the lungs to the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide moves from the blood to the lungs. - **Acid-Base Balance**: The body maintains a balance between acidity and alkalinity by regulating hydrogen ions. - **Thermoregulation**: The body maintains a set internal temperature. - **Sound Protection**: Air passing through the vocal cords creates sound waves in the pharynx, nose, and mouth. ## Major Components The respiratory system consists of several major components: - **Nasal Cavity**: This chamber lies above the roof of the mouth and connects to the throat. - **Cilia**: Located in the airways, these tiny hairs trap and remove dust, pollen, bacteria, and other foreign particles. - **Mucus**: This substance traps smaller particles like pollen or smoke. - **Larynx**: This cartilaginous segment of the respiratory tract, also known as the voice box, is located in the neck. - **Pharynx**: This passage allows air to enter the larynx and lungs. Food and liquid also travel through the pharynx to the esophagus. - **Epiglottis**: This structure protects the larynx and prevents food and liquid from entering the respiratory system. - **Trachea**: This passage, more commonly called the windpipe, connects the nose and mouth to the larynx. - **Lungs**: The centerpiece of the respiratory system, the lungs absorb oxygen from the air and transport it through the bloodstream to the organs and tissues of the body. - **Diaphragm**: This slender, dome-shaped muscle is responsible for breathing in and out. ## Types in Different Animal Groups ### Mammals - Animal respiratory systems are designed for gas exchange. - In mammals, air is warmed and humidified in the nasal cavity. - Air travels down the pharynx and larynx and passes through the trachea into the lungs. ### Birds - The avian respiratory system is different from that of other vertebrates. - **Air sacs** allow for a unidirectional flow of air through the lungs. ### Fish - Osteichthyes (bony fish) have a respiratory system in which they breathe dissolved oxygen through their gills. ## Gas Exchange Mechanism - The exchange of O2 and CO2 happens in different ways for different animals. ### In Animals - Oxygen is taken into the body, and carbon dioxide is expelled. ### In Mammals - The lungs are the primary site for gas exchange. - The **alveoli**, tiny air sacs in the lungs, are the specific site where the gas exchange occurs. - Humans and most mammals rely on the diaphragm to create negative pressure for inhalation. Other mammals may use additional respiratory muscles. ### In Birds - Birds have a unidirectional airflow system that moves fresh air through the lungs (even during exhalation). - This makes gas exchange more efficient than in humans. - Air sacs and parabronchi help with this system. - Bird lungs do not expand or contract, and they do not rely on a diaphragm. ### In Fishes - Fish use gills instead of lungs for gas exchange. - This exchange occurs using a **countercurrent exchange** system, a highly efficient process that maximizes gas exchange between two fluids. - **Key structures** involved in this process are gill filaments and gill lamellae. # Breathing Control Mechanisms ## Involuntary Breathing - In all animals, involuntary breathing is controlled automatically by the brainstem, specifically the medulla oblongata and pons. - This occurs without conscious thought, such as when resting or sleeping. - The body constantly monitors the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, and the brainstem sends signals to increase breathing rate as needed. ## Voluntary Breathing - The cerebral cortex can override the automatic control of the brainstem. - Voluntary breathing is often necessary during stress or activities that increase the need for oxygen, such as running or swimming. # Adaptations in Various Animal Species ### Cattle - Cattle have large lung capacities. - Their ribcage allows for efficient inhalation and exhalation, ensuring optimal oxygen levels during strenuous activity or hot weather. ### Pigs - Pigs have elongated nasal passages that filter dust and pathogens. - They are able to adjust their respiratory rate to cope with high-stress conditions. ### Chickens - Chickens have air sacs that enable continuous airflow through the lungs, maximizing oxygen intake, even during exhalation. - Their respiratory system helps them to regulate body temperature and maintain homeostasis. ### Horses - Horses have strong diaphragms and intercostal muscles. - Their respiratory system adapts to meet increased oxygen demands. # Respiratory Health Issues Respiratory system problems occur in different species: ### Mammals - **Pneumonia**: Is a common respiratory disorder caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. - **Symptoms**: coughing, difficulty breathing, reduced food intake, fever, lethargy, and pale to white yellow nasal discharge - **Significance**: Pneumonia affects livestock, with conditions like Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) impacting cattle health and productivity. - **Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)**: is a group of lung diseases that make breathing difficult and worsen over time. The airways and air sacs in the lungs may lose their elasticity, the walls in the lungs may be damaged, and irritation and swelling may occur in the airways. - **Symptoms**: forced breathing, double exhalation, chronic cough, reduced exercise tolerance, increased mucus, wheezing, rapid breathing, thick nasal discharge, and coughing at rest or during exercise. - **Asthma**: is a chronic condition in which the airways are inflamed. - **Symptoms**: coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, increased respiratory rate, open mouth breathing, and lethargy - **Causes**: allergens, airborne irritants, infections, weather changes, obesity, and genetics. ### Birds - **Avian Influenza**: a viral infection causes respiratory distress. - **Symptoms**: coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. - **Significance**: The disease can rapidly spread among flocks, leading to high mortality rates in poultry. - **Aspergillosis**: caused by inhalation of fungal spores, primarily affects lungs and air sacs. - **Symptoms**: coughing, and labored breathing. - **Significance**: This disease frequently affects captive birds with inadequate ventilation. - **Chlamydiosis**: a bacterial infection in birds leads to respiratory symptoms. - **Symptoms**: coughing and nasal discharge - **Significance**: It can be transmitted to humans, creating health concerns. ### Fish - **Bacterial Gill Disease**: bacteria, parasites, or environmental stressors attack fish gills, causing them to rot and erode. - **Significance**: This disease impairs gill function, leading to respiratory distress and increased mortality. ## References - [Animal Gas Exchange and Transport | Organismal Biology](https://organismalbio.biosci.gatech.edu/nutrition-transport-and-homeostasis/gas-exchange-in-animals/) - [Cognito- GCSE Biology - Gas Exchange and Lungs #26](https://youtu.be/4y1BAqOnhMM) - [Interpet - Bacterial gill disease](https://interpet.co.uk/support/the-fish-doctor/diagnose-whats-wrong/bacterial-gill-disease/) - [Learn everything you need to know about this respiratory disease in horses](https://www.healingvitality.ca/copd-in-horses) - [Chlamydiosis in Birds - Bird Vet Melbourne](https://birdvetmelbourne.com/chlamydiosis-in-birds/) - [Aspergillosis in poultry: an important respiratory disease](https://www.srpublication.com/aspergillosis-in-poultry-an-important-respiratory-disease/) ## Quiz 1. What is the main function of the respiratory system in animals? - a) Circulating blood - b) Breathing and gas exchange - c) Digesting food - d) Removing waste from the body 2. True or False: Fish use gills for gas exchange, and the process involves countercurrent exchange. 3. In mammals, where does gas exchange primarily occur? - a) Gills - b) Alveoli - c) Bronchi - d) Trachea 4. What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary breathing? - a) Voluntary breathing is controlled by the brainstem, while involuntary breathing is controlled by the cerebral cortex. - b) Voluntary breathing is done automatically during rest, while involuntary breathing is controlled consciously. - c) Voluntary breathing is controlled consciously (e.g., holding a breath), while involuntary breathing happens automatically without thinking (e.g., during sleep). - d) Voluntary breathing only occurs during exercise, while involuntary breathing occurs during relaxation. 5. Which group of animals uses a unidirectional airflow system for breathing, and how does it work? - a) Mammals - b) Fish - c) Birds 6. Which anatomical structure allows for unidirectional airflow in the group of animals mentioned in question 5? - a) Diaphragm - b) Trachea - c) Air sacs - d) Alveoli 7. In the Osteichthyes respiratory system, what is the primary structure responsible for gas exchange? - a) Alveoli - b) Gills - c) Air sacs - d) Trachea 8. In the respiratory system, _____ is taken in, and _____ is expelled out. - a) Oxygen (O2); Carbon dioxide (CO2) - b) Nitrogen (N₂); Oxygen (O2) - c) Carbon dioxide (CO₂); Oxygen (O2) - d) Water vapor (H₂O); Nitrogen (N₂) 9. What does COPD stand for, and what is its primary characteristic? - a) Congenital Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; it is a condition present at birth. - b) Chronic Obstructive Pathological Disorder; it primarily affects the heart rather than the lungs. - c) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; it refers to a group of lung diseases that make it hard to breathe and worsen over time. 10. Which anatomical structure is commonly referred to as the "windpipe"? - a) Larynx - b) Bronchi - c) Trachea - d) Pharynx ## Answers 1. **b) Breathing and gas exchange** 2. **TRUE** 3. **b) Alveoli** 4. **c) Voluntary breathing is controlled consciously (e.g., holding a breath), while involuntary breathing happens automatically without thinking (e.g., during sleep).** 5. **c) Birds** 6. **c) Air sacs** 7. **b) Gills** 8. **a) Oxygen (O2); Carbon dioxide (CO2)** 9. **c) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; it refers to a group of lung diseases that make it hard to breathe and worsen over time.** 10. **c) Trachea**