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

2. Respiratory Anatomy & Physiology

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

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

5. 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

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

7. 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

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

9. Lungs
Structure
Lobes
Pleura

10. 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

11. Muscles of Breathing
Intercostal Muscles
Diaphragm

12. 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

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

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

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

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

17. Questions?