Respiratory System Notes

Functions of the Respiratory System Gas exchange CO2 and O2 Defense against pollutants Mucus membranes trap dust, pollen, other particles Maintain body temperature Release warm, moist air during exhalation

Anatomy

Upper Respiratory Organs Nose & Sinuses Trap particles Warm, moisten air Transport air Pharynx Passage of air Larynx (voice box) Traps particles

Trachea Windpipe Cartilaginous rings Lined with cilia Trap particles Covered by epiglottis when swallowing

Lungs Bronchi Bronchioles Alveoli Sacs Primary branches of trachea Secondary branches of bronchi Alveoli Sacs Grape-like clusters Site of gas exchange

Respiration Inhalation Diaphragm contracts and flattens Rib cage is pulled out and up = enlarges chest cavity Air drawn into lungs as air pressure decreases Exhalation Diaphragm relaxes and is more dome shaped Rib cages sinks down and inward = chest volume decreases Air forced out as air pressure increases

Respiration

Lung Disorders & Diseases

Asthma Spasm or “twitch” of bronchi Caused by pollutants, irritants, or other factors S/S – coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightening Tx – Anti-inflam. meds, bronchodilators, avoid triggers

Emphysema Enlarged alveoli due to smoking Decreased gas exchange S/S – breathlessness, barrel chest Tx – Steroids, bronchodilators, etc.

Cystic Fibrosis Abnormally thick mucus Genetic S/S – vary with age Prone to infection Genetic S/S – vary with age Tx – antibiotics, decongestives, mucus thinners, bronchodilators

Tuberculosis Bacterial Infection S/S – loss of appetite, wt. loss, fever, night sweats, coughing Easily spread from person to person Tx - antibiotics

Pneumonia Inflammation of lungs due to infection or injury Alveoli fill with fluid Mucus Pus S/S – fever, chills, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, loss of appetite Tx - antibiotics