1. CHAPTER 13 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

2. Learning Objectives Define terms relating to the respiratory system
Describe the three functions of the respiratory system
Identify at least ten respiratory system structures and the function of each
Describe the assessment techniques of the respiratory system
Describe the disorders of the respiratory system

3. Structure of the Respiratory System

4. Function of the Respiratory System
Brings oxygen into the body through the breathing process
Inspiration (inhaling air)
Oxygen is brought into the lungs
Expiration (exhalation)
Carbon dioxide is removed from the lungs

5. Mechanics of Breathing
The diaphragm contracts to pull air into the lungs
Diaphragm relaxes & air is released

6. Function of the Respiratory System
Through the breathing process the respiratory system functions in three ways:
Exchanges gases between the blood and lungs
Helps regulate body temperature by cooling or warming the blood
Helps maintain the blood’s electrolyte balance

7. Three Processes of Respiration
External respiration, or ventilation, brings oxygen into the lungs
Internal respiration exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and body cells
Cellular respiration changes acid produced during metabolism into harmless chemicals in the cells

8. Following the Inhalation Process
Air enters the respiratory system through the nose or mouth
Air from the nose or mouth is then funneled through the throat and into the trachea
The trachea branches into two tubes called bronchi
Each bronchus enters one of the lungs and then branches into smaller tubes called bronchioles
The bronchioles have small sacs at their ends called alveoli
Capillaries in the walls of the alveoli exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide by the process of diffusion

9. ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

10. Assessment Techniques
Rate
The normal rate of respiration varies with age, gender, posture, exercise, temperature, and other factors
Children breathe 20 times a minute
Adults breathe 16 to 20 times a minute
Elderly often breathe less than 16 times a minute

11. Assessment Techniques (Continued)
Character
Respirations should have a regular rhythm, occurring at regular intervals
Apnea: no respiration
Respirations may be deep or shallow
Respirations may be dry or wet
Sounds
Breath sounds can be heard by using a stethoscope
Wheezing or adventitious sounds may indicate an abnormal condition

12. Assessment Techniques (Continued)
Lung volume
Measurement of the respiratory capacity
Respiratory capacity is the amount of air that can be brought into the lungs
Measured by a spirometer
Lung capacity depends on age and physical condition

13. Assessment Techniques (Continued)
Lung volume
Vital capacity
Includes:
Tidal volume
Amount of air normally exchanged
Inspiratory reserve
Additional amount of air that can be inhaled
Expiratory reserve
Additional amount of air that can be exhaled

14. Respiratory Capacity

15. Assessment Techniques (Continued)
Blood gases
Measure how much oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are in the blood, the blood’s pH, and other gases

16. Blood Gas Analysis

17. DISORDERS OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

18. Disorders of the Respiratory System
Anthrax
Caused by spores of the bacterium
Asthma attack
May result from exposure to an allergen, cold temperature, exercise, or emotion
Atelectasis
A collapse of part or all of a lung, caused by a tumor in the thoracic cavity, pneumonia, or injury

19. Triggering Agents of Asthma

20. Disorders of the Respiratory System (Continued)
Bronchitis
An infection of the bronchi
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Occurs from breathing carbon monoxide
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
A group of chronic respiratory disorders including asthma, chronic bronchitis, and pulmonary emphysema

21. Disorders of the Respiratory System (Continued)
Cold
A respiratory infection
Cystic fibrosis
A genetic disorder of the exocrine glands
Emphysema
The alveoli lose elasticity and become dilated and do not exchange gases well

22. Disorders of the Respiratory System (Continued)
Hantavirus
A respiratory condition spread by breathing in materials contaminated by urine or saliva of infected rodents such as deer, mice, and chipmunks
Hay fever
A respiratory inflammation caused by allergens such as plants, dust, and food
Lung cancer
Directly linked to smoking and smoke products

23. Disorders of the Respiratory System (Continued)
Pleural effusion
A condition in which air or fluid enters the pleural cavity
Pleurisy
An inflammation of the membranes that line the lungs
Pneumonia
An inflammation of the lungs, in which a buildup of excessive moisture impairs breathing

24. Disorders of the Respiratory System (Continued)
Pneumoconiosis
An inflammation in the lungs caused by inhaled irritants
Respiratory acidosis
A buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood, causing a lowered blood pH
Respiratory alkalosis
A deficiency of carbon dioxide in the blood

25. Disorders of the Respiratory System (Continued)
Respiratory distress syndrome
A condition that occurs when the alveoli do not inflate properly
Sinusitis
An inflammation of one or more of the paranasal sinuses
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
A respiratory disorder of newborns

26. Disorders of the Respiratory System (Continued)
Tuberculosis
Caused by bacteria that are difficult to destroy, and it can be transmitted through the air
Upper respiratory infection
Caused by a virus or bacteria in the nose, pharynx, or larynx

27. Issues and Innovations
Tobacco issues
Cigarette smoking has been linked to many illnesses
Nonsmokers face same risks because they are subjected to “passive,” “secondhand,” or “sidestream” smoke
Harmful effects of “smokeless” tobacco:
Leukoplakia
Mouth cancer
Heart disease

28. Leukoplakia

29. Issues and Innovations (Continued)
Environmental health risks
Black lung disease
Miners who inhale coal dust
Asbestos
Chronic scarring of the lung tissue
Berylliosis
Inhalation of beryllium used in fluorescent light bulbs
Toxic chemicals used in the computer industry
Sick building syndrome
Elevated levels of carbon dioxide cause sickness
Toxic mold
Stachybotrys or Chaetomium produces mycotoxins that are poisonous