1. Respiratory System
Notes

2. 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

3. Anatomy

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

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

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

7. 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

8. Respiration

9. Lung Disorders & Diseases

10. 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

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

12. 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

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

14. 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