The Respiratory System

 Exchange gases between blood and lungs  Regulate body temp by cooling or warming blood  Maintain blood’s electrolyte balance Functions of the Respiratory System

 External respiration (ventilation): brings O2 into lungs  Internal respirations: exchange O2 & CO2 between blood & body cells  Cellular respiration: changes acid produced during metabolism into harmless chemicals in the cells. Types of Respiration

Structures of the Respiratory System

Nasal Cavity  Filters out foreign particles  Warms and moistens air  Sense of smell  Tonsils at back of throat help body resist infection

Nasal Cavity  Tears drain into nose to provide additional moisture for air

Sinuses  Air filled cavity that is lined with mucous membrane  Regulates temperature of air before reaching lungs  Help give resonance to voice

Pharynx  Back of throat  Subdivisions:  Nasopharynx  Oropharynx  Laryngopharynx  Contain opening of Eustachian tube  Branches into trachea and esophagus

Larynx  AKA: Voice box  Below pharynx-two folds of cartilage  Epiglottis  Covers larynx during swallowing  Prevent food and liquid from entering lungs

Trachea  AKA: Windpipe  Extending from larynx to center of chest  Lined with C-shaped cartilage to keep passageway open  Dorsal surface open to allow expansion of esophagus when swallowing

Bronchi  Two major branches of trachea into lungs  Lined with cilia and mucus to catch dust and germs  Branches into smaller bronchioles

Alveoli  Air sacs at terminal ends of bronchioles  Surrounded by capillaries where exchange of oxygen/carbon dioxide occurs by diffusion

Lungs  Divided into sections called lobes  Right lung  Three lobes  Left lung  Two lobes  Surrounded by double membrane (pleura) which separates and lubricates lung tissue

Diaphragm  Large, flat muscle separating thoracic cavity from abdominal cavity  Contraction causes inhalation, relaxation causes exhalation

Process of Respiration

 Occurs in two phases  Inspiration and expiration

Process of Respiration  Inspiration or inhalation  Diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract and enlarge thoracic cavity  Creates a vacuum causing air to rush in

Process of Respiration  Expiration or exhalation  Diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax  Air forced out of lungs and air passages

 Process controlled in brain  Increase in CO2 causes increased rate of respirations  Usually involuntary, but can be controlled Process of Respiration

Lung Function Assessment Techniques

 Rate: # of breaths per minute  Normals:  Adults:  Children: >20  Types of respirations:  Eupnea: normal respiration  Dyspnea: painful or difficult  Bradypnea: <10  Tachypnea: >24  Apnea: no respiration Assessment Techniques

 Character:  Should have regular rhythm at regular intervals  Described as:  Regular/ Irregular  Dry/Wet  Deep/Shallow Assessment Techniques

 Character (cont)  Normal breath sounds:  Dry  Clear  Abnormal breath sounds:  Wheezing  Rales (mucus in trachea) Assessment Techniques

Disorders of the Respiratory System

COPD-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease  A group of chronic respiratory disorders  Asthma  Chronic bronchitis  Emphysyma  Cystic fibrosis  Symptoms:  Shortness of breath  Dyspnea  Tissue hyperplasia

Asthma  Causes:  Allergic reaction or cells in airway trigger attack  Cold temps  Exercise  Strong emotion  Symptoms:  Bronchi narrow and spasm  Wheezing  Difficulty exhaling  Treatment:  Relaxation  Medication

Chronic Bronchitis  Causes:  Infection of bronchi  Symptoms:  Inflammation of bronchi  Heavy cough  Sputum production  Treatment:  Expectorants  Postural drainage

Emphysema  Causes:  Mostly from smoking  Symptoms:  Alveoli lose elasticity >50 years old  Dyspnea  Treatment:  Pursed lip breathing  Constant O2

Cystic Fibrosis  Causes:  Genetic disorder  Diagnosed by 6 months  Symptoms:  Mucus becomes thicker  Excess salt appears on skin  Treament:  No cure  Intensive pulmonary care

Upper Respiratory Infection  Cause:  virus or bacteria in nose, pharynx, and/or larynx  Symptoms:  Pharyngitis  Laryngitis  Difficulty swallowing  Swollen tonsils & lymph nodes  Treatment:  Palliative care

Pneumonia  Causes:  Infection of the lungs by pathogens  Chemical irritants  Symptoms:  Inflammation of the lungs  Buildup of excessive moisture/mucus  Dyspnea  Treatment:  Antibiotics  Meds to decrease moisture

 When alveoli do not inflate properly  Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS):  Results from inhaling foreign substances causing swelling of tissues  Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome (IRDS):  Leading cause of death of preemies  Use of surfactants to develop lungs  Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS):  Unexplained, sudden death of infant < 1 year  Runs in families  Use of heart and respiratory monitors Respiratory Distress Syndrome

The End

Lung Function Chart TestNormals (from notes) Your Results Norm? High? Low? Why? Vital Capacity Expiratory Reserve Tidal Volume Inspiratory Capacity Your normal from calculation

 Residual volume  Amount air remaining after as much air as possible can be expelled to keep lungs inflated  Normal: ml  Vital Capacity  Total capacity of lungs except for residual volume  Normals:3-5L Lung Function Testing

 Expiratory Reserve Volume  Amount of air that can be forced out of lungs after exhaling normally  Normal about L Lung Function Testing

 Tidal volume  Amount of air taken in during normal breathing  Normal: ml  Inspiratory reserve volume  Amount of air that may be taken in by lungs when taking deep breath  Normal: 2-3L Lung Function Testing