The Respiratory System
Upper Respiratory Tract Nose Nasal cavity Sinuses
Pharynx Larynx
Lower Respiratory Tract Trachea
Bronchi, bronchial tree Alveoli
Lungs
Smoker’s lungs
Ventilation Requires change in pressure Boyle’s law of gases Three types of pressure: Atmosphere Intraalveolar Intrapleural
Inspiration Expiration
Respiratory Volumes & Capacities Tidal volume Inspiratory & expiratory reserve volume Residual volume Vital capacity Inspiratory capacity Total lung capacity
External vs. Internal Respiration
Oxygen Transport Carried by RBCs Combines with hemoglobin (loading) Only about 25% is unloaded at tissues Factors influencing unloading: Low oxygen levels High carbon dioxide levels Temperature increase Low pH
Carbon Dioxide Transport Dissolved in plasma Combined with hemoglobin Part of bicarbonate ion
Respiratory Regulation Normal rate: 12-20 breaths per minutes Controlled by brain stem Influences diaphragm and intercostal muscles
Factors That Affect Breathing Stretch levels in alveoli Higher brain functions Body temperature Nonrespiratory air movement Changes in carbon dioxide levels