Overview of the Lymphatic System

• The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in preventing infections.
• It utilizes white blood cells to fight off diseases.

Blood Composition

• Blood is composed of 45% cellular components (primarily white blood cells) and 55% plasma.
• Leukocytes (white blood cells) include subtypes such as neutrophils and lymphocytes:
  • Neutrophils: Fight off bacterial and fungal infections.
  • Lymphocytes: Focus mainly on fighting viral infections.

Blood Work Diagnostics

• Analyzing white blood cell types helps diagnose infections:
  • Increased neutrophils indicate a bacterial infection.
  • Increased lymphocytes suggest a viral infection.

Introduction to the Respiratory System

• The respiratory system works closely with the cardiovascular system to exchange gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) throughout the body.
• Medical professionals, such as pulmonologists and cardiothoracic surgeons, focus on treating conditions related to the lungs and heart.

Medical Professionals in Respiratory Care

• Otolaryngologist: Specializes in diseases of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT).
• Pulmonologist: Specializes in treating lung conditions.
• Cardiothoracic Surgeon: Operates on the heart and lungs.

Cardiac Surgery Procedures

• Aortic Valve Replacement: Minimally invasive technique used for patients with aortic stenosis.
  • Aortic valve becomes tight, causing shortness of breath and chest pain.
• Mitral Valve Repair/Replacements: Involves addressing leakage in the mitral valve.
• Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Uses arteries/veins to bypass blockages in the coronary arteries.

Anatomy of the Respiratory System

• Path of Oxygen: Nose → Mouth → Pharynx → Larynx → Trachea → Bronchi → Alveoli
• The diaphragm works with the lung's volume to facilitate breathing:
  • Inhalation: Diaphragm moves down, creating a negative pressure that draws air in.
  • Exhalation: Diaphragm relaxes, forcing air out.
• Alveoli: Tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs between oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Respiratory Pathway

• Air filtration occurs via cilia and mucus in nasal passages, helping to trap dirt and particles before they enter the lungs.
• The epiglottis directs air to the trachea and food to the esophagus, preventing choking.

Respiratory Conditions

• Asthma: Chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by difficulty breathing due to constricted airways and mucus production.
• Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi often caused by infections or irritants such as smoke.
• Emphysema: Results from damage to alveoli due to smoking, causing breathlessness as alveoli lose elasticity leading to gas exchange issues.

Respiratory Capacity and Disorders

• Apnea: Temporary cessation of breathing, especially during sleep.
• Hypoxia: Lack of oxygen trigger for increased respiratory rate.
• Spirometry: A tool used to measure lung volume and function.

Common Treatments in Respiratory Care

• Inhalers: Used by asthma patients to alleviate constricted airways.
• BiPAP/CPAP: Devices for assisting with breathing in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
• Tracheostomy: A surgical procedure that creates an opening for breathing, often required for those with severe airway obstructions.

Conclusion

• Understanding the interconnection between the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and how various medical specialties work together can aid in diagnosing and treating respiratory and cardiac issues effectively.