The Respiratory System (Ch. 6, A+P)

Functions of the respiratory system

Ventilation and oxygenation

Another name for the respiratory system

Pulmonary system

Oropharynx

The area directly posterior to the mouth

Nasopharynx

The area directly posterior to the nose

Pharynx

Includes both the oropharynx and nasopharynx

Epiglottis

A leaf-shaped structure that prevents food and foreign matter from entering the trachea

Glottis

The opening to the trachea

Larynx

Voice box

Cricoid cartilage

Ring-shaped structure; forms the lower portion of the larynx

Trachea

Carries inhaled air from the larynx to the lungs; formed and protected by 16 c-shaped rings of cartilage

Bronchi

The two large sets of branches that come off the trachea and enter the lungs

Alveoli

The microscopic sacs of the lungs where gas exchange with the bloodstream takes place

What is the diaphragm primarily controlled by?

The phrenic nerve

The diaphragm divides…

the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity.

Some differences in pediatric respiratory anatomy

-A child’s tongue takes up proportionally more space in the pharynx

-A child’s trachea is narrower

-A child’s trachea is softer and more flexible (be careful with c collars)

-A small child’s rib cage is not as curved inward, so generating negative pressure is more difficult.

Inhalation is a(n) ___ process.

active

Exhalation is a(n) ___ process.

passive

How does inhalation occur?

The intercostal muscles and diaphragm contract. This expands the size of the chest and creates a negative pressure in the chest cavity.

Ventilation

The movement of gases to and from the alveoli

Respiration

The process of moving gases (and other nutrients) between the cells and the blood

Buffer system

A system that helps manage the pH of the body to maintain it at a normal level

The removal of carbon dioxide is an extremely important element of what system?

The buffer system

Adequate breathing is ___.

sufficient to support life.

Inadequate breathing is ___.

insufficient to support life