Recording-2025-03-10T17:37:18.229Z

Word Parts and Meanings

• Prefixes: Understanding prefixes helps in determining the meanings of medical terms.

  • Example: re- means again, spiro- means to breathe.

• Compound Terms: These term parts will help break down complex anatomical terminology to their base meanings.

Anatomy of the Respiratory System

• Major Parts:

  • Upper Respiratory System:

    • Nose

    • Mouth

    • Pharynx (throat)

    • Larynx (voice box)

  • Lower Respiratory System:

    • Trachea (windpipe)

    • Bronchial tubes

    • Lungs

    • Diaphragm

• Diaphragm and Intercostal Muscles: Essential for the breathing process, controlling air flow in and out of the lungs.

Respiratory Terminology

• Respiratory: The term derives from "re" (again) and "spiro" (to breathe). It refers to the process of breathing.

• Thyroid Cartilage: The main cartilage forming the larynx, prominent structure in the throat above the windpipe.

• Cartilages:

  • Semilunar Cartilages: Support the trachea, allowing air passage.

  • The trachea’s posterior aspect lacks cartilage to enable swallowing.

Divisions of the Respiratory System

• Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs): Affect areas such as larynx, throat, nose, and mouth.

• Lower Respiratory Infections (LRIs): Affect the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, or alveoli.

• Alveoli: Tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange, with about 700,000 present in human lungs.

  • avities or Hollow Structures:

    • Bronchioles: Smaller airways leading to alveoli.

Lungs Structure and Function

• Layers of Lungs: Covered by the pleura, a double-layered membrane containing serous fluid.

• Vital Capacity: Maximum amount of air that can be inhaled and exhaled.

  • Measured using a spirometer ("breath measure").

  • Normal capacity: approximately 3,700 milliliters.

  • Diseases reduce expiratory volume.

• Lung lobes:

  • Right lung: 3 lobes

  • Left lung: 2 lobes

Blood Circulation Related to Respiration

• Pulmonary arteries: Carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs; veins return oxygenated blood to the heart.

• Some arteries carry oxygenated blood, but pulmonary arteries serve the opposite function.

• Mediastinum Area: The heart's location, significance during CPR due to breastbone compression.

Breathing Mechanics

• Inspiration and Expiration: Process of inhalation and exhalation of air.

  • Inspiration: Involves muscles like sternal mastoid and diaphragm.

  • Expiration: Uses internal intercostal muscles to force air out of lungs.

Pathologies of Respiratory System

• Chronic Diseases:

  • Asthma, Emphysema, Bronchitis: Conditions leading to compromised breathing.

• Infections: Can be viral or bacterial, requiring different treatments.

• Smoking Effects: Major risk factor for lung diseases; introduces debris into the lungs affecting mucus production.

Respiratory Infections and Disorders

• Cold and Flu: Caused by viruses with various symptoms; treated symptomatically.

• COPD: Includes chronic bronchitis, characterized by long-term mucus production obstructing airflow.

• Pneumonia: Infection leading to filling of air sacs with fluid, hindering breathing.

• Tuberculosis (TB): Bacterial infection characterized by swelling and formation of abscesses in the lungs.

Immunization and Prevention

• DPT Vaccine: Immunizes against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus. Recommended for children.

• Preventive Measures: Antibiotics, rest, and hydration are critical in managing infections.

Special Conditions

• Cystic Fibrosis: Genetic disease affecting glandular secretion, resulting in thick mucus disrupting respiratory function.

• Histoplasmosis: Infection caused by fungus, leading to respiratory symptoms, diagnostic via respiratory imaging.

• Pertussis: Highly infectious condition characterized by severe cough, particularly in young children requiring vaccination.

Emergency Procedures

• Heimlich Maneuver: Techniques for dislodging obstructions in airway to prevent choking.

• Endoscopy Procedures: Instruments like the endoscope and rhinoscope for examining internal structures and diagnosing conditions.