The Respiratory System

Respiratory System Respiratory System-consists of the lungs and air passages Responsible for taking in oxygen and removing carbon dioxide The body only has a 4-6 minute supply of oxygen so this system must continually work in order to maintain life Parts include; nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, alveoli and lungs

The Nose Has two openings, nostrils or nares through which air enters A wall divides the nose into two hollow spaces is called the nasal septum Two hollow spaces are called nasal cavities Lined with mucus membranes Air is warmed, filtered and moistened Mucus and tiny hair like structures called cilla trap pathogens, dust and other particles and push them towards the esophagus where they can be swallowed

The Nose Olfactory Receptors that allow for the sense of smell are also located in the nose. Sinuses also are located in the nasal area and are small cavities that are lined with mucus membranes to help warm and moisten air and aide in the vocals.

The sense of smell

The Pharynx Lies directly behind the nasal cavities Divided into three sections Nasopharynx-pharyngeal tonsils, Eustachian tube open to here Oropharynx-located at the mouth Laryngopharynx-esophagus and trachea branch off at this section

The Larynx Aka Voice Box Between the pharynx and trachea Contains 9 layers of cartilage The largest is the thyroid cartilage and is commonly called the Adams apple Contain two folds called vocal cords The opening between the vocal cords is called the glottis As air leaves the lungs the cords vibrate and the tongue and lips then act on the vibration producing speech

The Epiglottis Leaf like piece of cartileage that closes the opening into the larynx during swallowing Prevents food and liquids from entering the respiratory tract

The Trachea Tube that connects the pharynx and larynx to the bronchi C shaped cartilage open on the dorsal side help maintain rigidity as the tube extends into center of the chest

The Bronchi Divide into Right and Left Bronchus Right is shorter, wider and more vertical Carry air into the lung Continue to divide until they reach their smallest branches called bronchioles

The Alveoli Think Grapes Adult lung contains about 500 million Made of one layer of squamous epithelial tissue Contain large network of capillaries for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange Inside of the sac is covered in a layer of lipid like material called surfactant

The Lungs Organ in which bronchi and alveoli are located The right lung is divided to into three lobes, the Superior, the Middle, the Inferior The Left lobe is in two sections the Superior and the Inferior Left lung is smaller to make room for the heart Each lung is enclosed in a sac called the pleura Pleura is made up of two layers of serous membrane The Visceral pleura attaches to the surface of the lung The Parietal pleura is attached to the chest wall Thin layer of pleural fluid is between the two to reduce friction during breathing

The Lungs

Process of Breathing Called Ventilation it has two Actions Inspiration-Inhalation is the process of breathing in air. The diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract to expand the thoracic cavity causing a vacuum. Air rushes in through the passageways down to the alveoli where gas exchange takes place. Expiration-Occurs when the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax. Air is then forced out of the lungs and passageways. Inspiration and Expiration together is called Respiration.

Stages of Respiration Two main stages of respiration are external respiration and internal respiration. External Respiration Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the blood stream. Oxygen Concentration is higher in the alveoli than the blood stream therefore oxygen leaves the alveoli and enters the blood stream Carbon Dioxide concentration is higher in the blood stream than alveoli therefore it leaves the vessels and enters the alveoli

Stages of Respiration Internal Respiration Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the tissue cells and the vessels. Oxygen carried to the tissue by the blood where the concentration is higher than the tissue forcing oxygen into the tissue, and since the carbon dioxide concentration is higher in the tissue that forces it from the tissue into the vessel.

Stages of Respiration Cellular Respiration Cells use oxygen and nutrients that the blood carries to them. Once oxygen and nutrients are used all waste products are then removed from the tissue back into the blood stream.

Stages of Respiration

Diseases of the System Asthma Respiratory disorder usually caused by a reaction to an allergen like dust, pollen, animal, medications or food. Bronchospasms narrow bronchioles, mucus production increase and edema builds in the mucosal lining Symptoms include: difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, expectoration of sputum, and tightness in the chest Treatment includes; bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory drugs, epinephrine, oxygen therapy

Diseases of the System Bronchitis-Inflammation of the bronchi and bronchial tubes. Acute Bronchitis is usually caused by infection and is characterized by; cough, dyspnea, rales (bubbly or noisy breath sounds), chest pain and fever Treat with antibiotics, expectorants, rest and drinking large amounts of water Chronic Bronchitis results from frequent acute cases, exposure to pollutants or smoking. Characterized by chronic inflammation, damaged cilia and enlarged mucous glands Symptoms include: excessive mucus, productive cough, wheezing, dyspnea, chest pain, and prolonged air expiration Treatment: no cure, antibiotics, bronchodilators, and respiratory therapy.

Diseases of the system Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Any disease that results in chronic obstruction of air passages Chronic asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and tuberculosis all can lead to COPD Smoking primary cause Treatment options include: bronchodilators, mucolytic drugs, and cough medications. Prognosis is poor because COPD is degenerative and loss of function eventually leads to death

Diseases of the System Emphysema Chronic disorder where the walls of the alveoli lose their elasticity. Carbon Dioxide remains trapped in the alveoli leading to poor gas exchange. Common cause is heavy smoking and prolonged exposure to pollutants Symptoms: dyspnea, feeling of suffocation, pain, barrel chest, chronic cough, cyanosis, rapid respirations followed by prolonged expirations Treatment: no cure, bronchodilators, breathing exercises, prompt treatment of infections, avoiding smoking, oxygen therapy

Disease of the System Epistaxis-nose bleed, occurs when the vessels of the nose become congested and bleed, also occurs due to trauma, hypertension, chronic infection, anticoagulant drugs and blood disease such as hemophilia and leukemia. Compress the nostrils, apply cold compress or insert nasal packs to control bleed. If chronic cauterizing the vessels may be needed.

Disease of the System Influenza-highly contagious viral infection of the upper respiratory system Symptoms: chills, fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle pain and fatigue Treatment: bed rest, fluids, analgesics, and antipyretic Immunization for the flu recommended for elderly, children health care workers, pregnant women, individuals with chronic diseases

Disease of the System Laryngitis-inflammation of the larynx and vocal cords Frequently occurs in conjunction with respiratory infection Symptoms include: hoarseness, loss of voice, sore throat, and dysphagia Treatment: rest, limited voice use, fluids and medications

Disease of the System Lung Cancer Leading cause of cancer death in men and women Preventable because major cause is exposure to carcinogens in tobacco smoke, either due to smoking or exposure to second hand smoke Three types: Small Cell, Squamous Cell and Adenocarinoma Symptoms: None in early stages, late stage include: chronic cough, hemoptysis, dyspnea, fatigue, loss of weight and chest pain Prognosis is poor due to late discovery, Treatment includes; removal of cancer, radiation and/or chemothreapy

Disease of the System Pleurisy-inflammation of the pleura Occurs inconjunction with pneumonia. Symptoms include: sharp, stabbing pain while breathing, crepitation, dyspnea, and fever Treatment: rest, medications to relieve pain and inflammation Thoracentesis-removal of fluid from the pleura sacks that surround the lungs

Disease of the System Pneumonia Inflammation or infection of the lung characterized by exudate(fluid build up) in the alveoli Usually caused by bacteria, viruses, protozoa, or chemicals Symptoms; chills, fever, chest pain, productive cough, dyspnea and fatigue Treatment; bed rest, oxygen therapy, fluids, antibiotics, respiratory therapy, pain medication

Disease of the System Rhinitis Inflammation of nasal mucus membrane Symptoms: runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, soreness, and congestion Treatment; Fluids, medications that relieve congestion

Disease of the System Sinusitis Inflammation of the mucus membranes that line the sinus cavities Multiple membranes may be affected. Usually caused by bacterial or viral infections Symptoms: headache, pressure, dizziness, thick nasal discharge, congestion and loss of voice resonance Treatment; analgesics, antibiotics, decongestants, and moist inhalations Can be surgically opened to encourage drainage

Disease of the System Sleep Apnea- Individual stops breathing while sleeping Two Kinds- Obstructive and Central Obstructive-Caused by muscles that keep the airway relax and allow the tongue and palate to block airway Central-Disorder of the respiratory control center of the brain. More common in men with factors such as obesity, hypertension, smoking, alcohol ingestion and or use of sedatives Treatment-lose of weight, abstain from smoking and alcohol, limit sedatives and encourage sleeping on side or stomach In severe cases use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine (CPAP) may be required, this delivers air into the passage ways.

Disease of the System Tuberculosis- infection of the lungs caused by a bacterium Symptoms; fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight loss, hemoptysis and chest pain Treatment; administering drugs for one or more years to destroy bacterium, good nutrition and rest Discovery of a strain resistant to drugs have made TB a potential candidate for widespread infection

Disease of the System Upper Respiratory Infection Common Cold Infection of the mucus membrane of the upper respiratory tract Caused by viruses and are highly contagious Symptoms: fever, runny nose, watery eyes, congestion, sore throat, and hacking cough Treatment; No cure, analgesics antipyretics, rest, increased fluid intake, and antihistamines