Chapter 13 - Respiratory System

Upper Respiratory Tract

Includes the nose, pharynx, and larynx.

Lower Respiratory Tract

Includes the trachea, bronchial tree, and lungs.

Nose

Made of bone and cartilage lined with a mucous membrane; warms, moistens, and filters air.

Nares (Nostrils)

External openings of the nasal cavity that allow air to enter.

Nasal Septum

Divides the nasal cavity into right and left portions.

Adenoids (Pharyngeal Tonsils)

Lymphatic tissue in the nasopharynx that helps protect from infection.

Sinuses

Air-filled spaces in bones around the nasal cavity that lighten the skull and resonate voice.

Palate

Structure that separates the nasal and oral cavities.

Hard Palate

Bony front portion of the palate.

Soft Palate

Back portion with no bone support.

Uvula

Hangs from the soft palate; directs food into the oropharynx when swallowing.

Nasal Conchae

Three bony ridges that increase surface area, warm and moisten air, and trap particles.

Pharynx

Passage for air and food that connects the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx and esophagus.

Nasopharynx

Upper portion; receives air from nasal cavity and contains eustachian tubes and adenoids.

Oropharynx

Middle section; receives food, water, and air from the oral cavity.

Laryngopharynx

Lower portion; connects to larynx (for air) and esophagus (for food).

Eustachian Tubes

Connect nasopharynx to middle ear to equalize air pressure.

Soft Palate & Uvula

Prevent food from entering the nasopharynx during swallowing.

Larynx

Passageway for air between the pharynx and trachea; contains vocal cords.

Cartilage of Larynx

Nine pieces of cartilage form the structure; includes thyroid cartilage.

Thyroid Cartilage

Largest cartilage of the larynx; forms Adam’s apple.

Epiglottis

Flap of tissue that closes over the larynx during swallowing to prevent choking.

Vocal Cords

Folds of tissue that produce sound when air passes through them.

Trachea

Tube that extends from the larynx into the mediastinum; passageway for air to the lungs.

C-Shaped Cartilage Rings

Support the trachea and keep it open during breathing.

Bronchi

the trachea divides into right and left primary bronchi leading to each lung.

Primary Bronchi

First branches from the trachea entering the lungs.

Secondary (Lobar) Bronchi

Branches from the primary bronchi; one per lobe of the lung.

Tertiary (Segmental) Bronchi

Smaller branches that lead into bronchioles

Bronchioles

Smallest airways; lead into alveolar ducts.

Alveolar Ducts

Microscopic passages that connect bronchioles to alveoli.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs (oxygen in, carbon dioxide out).

Lungs

Soft, spongy organs composed mostly of air spaces and alveoli; responsible for gas exchange.

Right Lung

Shorter, broader, larger; divided into 3 lobes (superior, middle, inferior) by 2 fissures.

Left Lung

Longer, narrower; divided into 2 lobes (superior, inferior) by 1 fissure.

Mediastinum

Space between the lungs containing the heart and other structures.

Pleura

Double-layered serous membrane enclosing each lung.

Visceral Pleura

Inner layer attached to the lung surface.

Parietal Pleura

Outer layer lining the thoracic cavity.

Pleural Cavity

Space between visceral and parietal pleura; contains serous fluid that reduces friction.

Respiratory Center

Groups of neurons in the brainstem (pons and medulla oblongata) that control breathing rate and depth.

Pons

Helps regulate rhythm of breathing.

Medulla Oblongata

Controls basic breathing pattern.

Phrenic Nerve

Sends impulses from brain to diaphragm for breathing.

Damage to Respiratory Cente

Stops impulses, causing breathing to stop.

ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome)

life-threatening inflammation causing fluid buildup in lungs.

Asthma

Narrowing of airways due to inflammation; causes wheezing and shortness of breath.

Bronchitis

Inflammation of bronchial tubes; causes coughing and mucus.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Group of diseases that block airflow and make breathing difficult.

Croup

Viral infection causing swelling around vocal cords; barking cough.

Emphysema

Alveoli become damaged and lose elasticity; common in smokers.

Laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx; causes hoarse voice or loss of voice.

Lung Cancer

Uncontrolled cell growth in lung tissue; often caused by smoking.

Pharyngitis

Inflammation of the pharynx; sore throat.

Pleurisy

Inflammation of pleura; causes sharp chest pain with breathing.

Pneumoconiosis

Lung disease caused by inhaling dust particles (coal, asbestos, etc.).

Pneumonia

Infection that inflames air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs.

Pneumothorax

Collapsed lung due to air in the pleural cavity.

Pulmonary Edema

Fluid accumulation in alveoli; causes difficulty breathing.

Rhinitis

Inflammation of nasal mucosa; runny or stuffy nose.

Tuberculosis

Bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs.