Respiratory System Anatomy and Physiology Overview Part I Diana Jones EMT-P

Respiratory Anatomy & Physiology

Function of the Respiratory System Removes carbon dioxide from the blood Transfers oxygen to the blood

The Upper Airway A – Epiglottis B – Mandible C – Frontal Sinus D – Soft Palate E – Trachea F – Glottis G – Esophagus H – Vocal Cords

The Upper Airway Additional Structures Pharynx – comprised of naso, oro, and hypopharynx Nasopharynx – part of the throat that connects to the nose Oropharynx – back of the throat, behind oral cavity Larynx – “voice box” and divided into 3 sections; supraglottis, glottis, and subglottis Hypopharynx – part of the throat that lies behind the larynx

The Upper Airway Functions Provides passageway for air Humidifies Warms Filters Speech Provides Protection Gag reflex Cough

The Lower Airway A – Primary bronchi B – Hyoid bone C – Right lung D – Secondary bronchi E – Tracheal ligament F – Trachea G – Larynx H – Esophagus I – Left lung

The Lower Airway Alveoli Site of Gas Exchange Covered in capillary bed Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen Diffusion

Lungs Structure Lobes Pleura

Physiology of Respiration Define Respiration The exchange of gases between a living organism and the environment Define Ventilation Mechanical Process that moves air in and out of the lungs

Muscles of Breathing Intercostal Muscles Diaphragm

Regulation of Respiration Brainstem Medulla Apneustic Center – located in the pons Pneumotaxic Center – located in the pons Stretch receptors – Hering – Breuer reflex Chemoreceptors CSF Blood

Regulation of Respiration Voluntary or Involuntary? BOTH Can override the urge to breathe Only for so long

Respiratory Cycle Inspiration Expiration Active Lasts 1-2 sec. Passive Lasts up to 5 seconds

Respiratory Cycle Inspiration Diaphragm and intercostal muscles (+ accessory muscles) contract Creates negative pressure thus air rushes in Active process, requires expending of energy

Respiratory Cycle Expiration Result of elastic property of the lungs Muscles expand Pressure system seeks to equalize Passive, does not require energy

Questions?