The RESPIRATORY System Unit 3 Transportation Systems

Functions of the Respiratory System Warm, moisten, and filter incoming air Resonating chambers for speech and sound production Carbon dioxide gas exchange

Structures of the Respiratory System

Nose Bony framework, cartilage, skin, and mucous membrane lining Nostrils provide openings Septum separates into right and left sides Warms, moistens, and filters incoming air, smell, and provides resonating chambers for speech and sound production

Nasal Cavity Large, air-filled space above and behind the nose in the middle of the face Air is warmed, filtered by cilia, and humidified Holds nerve endings that provide the sense of smell

Pharynx (Throat) Funnel-shaped tube about 5 inches long Walls composed of skeletal muscle and lined with mucous membranes Three sections: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx Passageway for air and food Resonating chamber for speech sounds and assists in the formation of words

Epiglottis Large, leaf-shaped piece of cartilage that covers the larynx during swallowing to prevent food from entering the larynx and trachea Opening through the larynx for the passage of air

Larynx (voice box) Contains vocal cords Short passageway connecting the pharynx and the trachea Contains the epiglottis

Incredible Human Machine - The Vocal Cords

Trachea (windpipe) Passageway for air Located anterior to the esophagus Extends from the larynx to the center of the chest where the bronchi branch off Supported by “c” shaped cartilage rings to prevent collapse

Bronchi Two large sets of branches that come off the trachea and enter the lungs The right primary bronchus is more vertical, wider, and shorter than the left Inhaled objects are more likely to lodge in the right bronchus Passageway for air

Bronchioles Bronchi continue to divide to form smaller tubes called bronchioles Passageway for air

Alveoli Small air sacs which are one-cell thick and surrounded by many blood capillaries Site of gas exchange between air and blood

Lungs Organs where atmospheric oxygen and waste carbon dioxide exchange takes place Left side has two lobes Right side has three lobes

Diseases and Careers Respiratory System

Coryza (Common Cold) Caused by one of many viruses Signs and symptoms include fatigue, sneezing, coughing, congestion, body aches and pains, and nasal secretions Can be treated by medication to reduce discomfort of signs and symptoms

Pneumonia Inflammatory illness of the lung Lung inflammation and abnormal alveolar filling Caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and chemical or physical injury to the lungs Symptoms include cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing Usually treated by antibiotics

Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer Disease of uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung Growth may lead to invasion of adjacent tissues and infiltration beyond the lungs Most common symptoms are shortness of breath, coughing, and weight loss Common cause is long term exposure to tobacco smoke Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation

Asthma Reversible obstructive airway disease Characterized by periods of coughing, difficulty breathing, or wheezing Caused by spasms of the smooth muscle that line the wall of the smaller bronchi and bronchioles Treated by antibiotics or the use of an inhaler

Bronchitis Inflammation of the bronchi Caused by genetics, air pollution, carbon monoxide, respiratory infection, and deficient antibody levels Treated by antibiotics

Tuberculosis Infectious, communicable disease that destroys the lung tissue and pleura Inhaled respiratory droplets spread disease Treated by medications

Influenza Contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses Usually comes on suddenly and may include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Emphysema Alveoli become stretched out and cannot push carbon dioxide and other pollutants out of the lungs. Caused by smoking, frequent untreated respiratory infections, asthma, and abnormal stress on the lungs. Symptoms are anxiety, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, cough, cyanosis, unequal chest expansion, elevated body temperature. Treatment options are medications, oxygen, and the possibility of a lung transplant.

Careers Pulmonologist – diagnoses, treats, and manages patients with diseases of the lungs or respiratory tract. Salary: $120,000 to $330,000 annually Education: medical school plus residency and about a three year fellowship

Certified Respiratory Technician Respiratory technicians work under the supervision of respiratory therapists to help care for patients with breathing problems by administering oxygen and other treatments, cleaning and maintaining equipment, and noting and informing the therapist of patient progress. Individuals interested in this profession generally need an associate's degree and certification. Some states may require a license. As of May 2010, respiratory technicians averaged $46,340 annually. The top-paying industries for respiratory technicians were specialty hospitals, general hospitals and the offices of health practitioners.

Respiratory Therapist