Page 1

Understanding Words

• Alveol-

  • Small cavity: alveolus-microscopic

• Epi-

  • Upon: epiglottis-flaplike structure air sac in a lung

• Phren-

  • Diaphragm: phrenic nerve-nerve that partially covers the opening into the bronch-

• Bronch-

  • Windpipe: bronchus-primary associated with the cervical plexuses larynx during swallowing

• Exhal-

  • To breathe out: exhalation-to expel air from the lungs

• Carcin-

  • Spreading sore: carcinoma-type of cancer

• Tuber-

  • Swelling: tuberculosis-infectious disease in which fibrous masses form in the lungs

• Hem-

  • Blood: hemoglobin-pigment in red blood cells

• Carin-

  • Keel-like: carina-ridge of cartilage between the right and left bronchi

• Inhal-

  • To breathe in: inhalation-to take air into the lungs

Overview of the Respiratory System

• Respiration

  • Process of exchanging gases between the atmosphere and body cells

• Organs of the Respiratory System

  • Upper respiratory tract: nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx

  • Lower respiratory tract: larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, lungs

• Career Corner: Respiratory Therapist

  • Assessing and treating patients with breathing problems

  • Helping patients with various respiratory conditions

  • Ensuring patients on breathing assistance can be independent

Page 2

Respiratory Structures

• Nose

  • Covered with skin, supported by muscle, bone, and cartilage

  • Nostrils provide openings for air to enter and leave the nasal cavity

• Nasal Cavity

  • Hollow space behind the nose, divided into right and left portions by the nasal septum

  • Lined with mucous membrane rich in mucous-secreting goblet cells

• Function of Nasal Cavity

  • Conducts air to and from the nasopharynx

  • Warms and moistens the air as it passes through

• Major Structures Associated with the Respiratory Tract

  • Includes nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchus, lungs

Conclusion

The respiratory system plays a crucial role in exchanging gases between the atmosphere and body cells. Understanding the anatomy and functions of respiratory organs is essential for healthcare professionals like respiratory therapists to diagnose and treat respiratory conditions effectively.

Page 3: Sinuses and Pharynx

• Sinuses Location and Functions

  • Sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull bones.

  • Found in frontal, sphenoid, ethmoid, and maxillary bones.

  • Reduce skull weight and affect voice quality.

• Pharynx Functions

  • Posterior to nasal and oral cavities, and larynx.

  • Passage for food and air, aids in speech production.

  • Divided into nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

Page 4: Larynx and Cartilages

• Larynx Composition

  • Framework of muscles and cartilages.

  • Houses vocal cords and prevents foreign object entry.

• Cartilages in the Larynx

  • Thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottic cartilages are the largest.

  • Arytenoid, corniculate, and cuneiform cartilages are paired.

• Functions of Specific Cartilages

  • Epiglottic cartilage allows air passage and prevents food entry.

  • Arytenoid and corniculate cartilages regulate vocal cord tension.

• Role of Cuneiform Cartilages

  • Stiffen soft tissues in the larynx region.

General

• Respiratory System Organs

  • Includes nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea.

• Mucous Membrane and Cilia

  • Mucous membrane traps particles, cilia move mucus to pharynx.

• Impact of Sinusitis

  • Inflamed sinuses can block drainage, causing pressure and headaches.

• Gender Difference in Larynx

  • Adam's apple more prominent in males due to male sex hormones.

• Epiglottis Function

  • Allows air passage, covers larynx opening during swallowing.

Page 5

Effects of Cigarette Smoking on the Respiratory System

• Damage to respiratory system from smoking is slow, progressive, and potentially deadly.

  • Mucus produced by respiratory tubes traps dirt and pathogens.

  • Smoking impairs bronchial lining and cilia function.

• Cellular changes induced by smoking set stage for lung cancer.

  • Cells in bronchial lining divide rapidly, displacing ciliated cells.

  • Nuclei of these cells resemble cancerous cells with abnormal characteristics.

• Smoking-induced damage can lead to lung cancer and spread to other organs.

  • Smokers produce excess mucus leading to respiratory infections.

  • Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is also harmful.

• Coughing, chronic bronchitis, and increased mucus production are common effects.

  • Smoking endangers not only the smoker but also those exposed to ETS.

Page 6

Larynx and Vocal Cords

• Larynx contains vocal cords responsible for producing sounds.

  • Muscle fibers within folds help in sound production.

• Changing tension on vocal cords controls pitch and intensity of voice.

  • Increasing tension produces higher pitch, while decreasing creates lower pitch.

• Glottis and epiglottis play roles in sound production and preventing food aspiration.

  • Epiglottis partially covers glottis during swallowing.

• Structure of larynx includes true and false vocal cords.

  • True vocal cords responsible for vocal sounds.

• Control of pitch and intensity of voice depends on air force passing over vocal cords.

Practice Questions

• Shared part of respiratory tract with alimentary canal is the pharynx.

• Structure of larynx includes true and false vocal cords, glottis, and epiglottis.

• Vocal cords produce sounds by vibrating when air is forced between them.

• Epiglottis functions to prevent food or liquid from entering the trachea.

• Glottis is the opening between the true vocal cords.

Page 7

• Trachea and Bronchial Tree

  • Trachea is a flexible tube leading to air sacs in the lungs

  • Bronchial tree consists of branched airways from trachea to lungs

  • Trachea lined with ciliated mucous membrane to clean air

  • Cartilaginous rings in trachea prevent collapse

  • Tracheostomy can be lifesaving for tracheal blockages

Page 8

• Bronchial Tree Branches

  • Main bronchi branch into lobar bronchi, then segmental bronchi

  • Intralobular bronchioles lead to terminal bronchioles

  • Respiratory bronchioles participate in gas exchange

  • Alveolar ducts, sacs, and alveoli are sites of gas exchange

Page 9

• Alveoli and Gas Exchange

  • Alveolar ducts branch into alveolar sacs and alveoli

  • Alveoli are microscopic air sacs for gas exchange

  • Gravity deposits particles in respiratory tree

  • Cystic fibrosis can lead to airway blockages

  • Treatment with DNase eases breathing by degrading DNA

This section provides a detailed overview of the structure and function of the trachea, bronchial tree, and alveoli in the respiratory system. It explains how these components work together to facilitate the exchange of gases and highlights the importance of maintaining clear airways for proper breathing and overall health.

Page 10

• Structure of Respiratory Tubes

  • Main bronchus similar to trachea but with cartilaginous plates

  • Cartilage decreases in bronchioles, disappears in alveoli

  • Elastic fibers in connective tissue play role in breathing

• Cell Changes in Tubes

  • Larger tubes lined with ciliated columnar epithelium

  • Smaller tubes have cuboidal epithelium, alveoli have squamous epithelium

• Gas Exchange

  • Oxygen diffuses into blood, carbon dioxide diffuses into alveoli

• Functions of Tubes and Alveoli

  • Branches filter air, distribute it to all parts of lungs

• Bronchoscopy

  • Uses fiberoptic bronchoscope to examine trachea and bronchial tree

Page 11

• Lung Anatomy

  • Lungs enclosed by diaphragm, thoracic cage, mediastinum

  • Visceral pleura attached to lung surface, parietal pleura lines thoracic cavity

  • Pleural cavity contains serous fluid for lubrication

  • Right lung larger, divided into three lobes; left lung into two lobes

• Breathing Mechanism

  • Inspiration and expiration make up a respiratory cycle

  • Atmospheric pressure moves air into lungs

• Clinical Applications

  • Techniques to assist breathing in emergencies

• Practice Questions