chapter 12

Name the organs of the respiratory system and describe their location and function.
Identify various pathological conditions that affect the system.
Learn medical terms that pertain to respiration.
Describe important clinical procedures related to the respiratory system, and recognize relevant abbreviations.
Apply new knowledge to understanding medical terms in their proper contexts, such as medical reports and records.

External respiration: Air exchange occurs in the lungs and between the capillaries.
- Oxygen is inhaled into the air sacs of the lungs.
- Inhaled air: Contains approximately 21% O2.
- Oxygen passes from the air sacs into capillaries.
- Carbon dioxide passes from capillaries into air sacs to be exhaled.
- Exhaled air: Contains approximately 16% O2.

Internal respiration: Exchange of gases in the cells.
- Occurs simultaneously between cells and capillaries.
- Oxygen exits the bloodstream (capillaries) into the tissues.
- Carbon dioxide enters the bloodstream (capillaries) from the tissues to travel back to the lungs.

Mediastinum: The middle of the chest where the trachea divides into two bronchi and the space outside and between two lungs.
Hilum of the Lung: The area where blood vessels, nerves, lymphatic tissue, and bronchial tubes enter and exit the lungs.
- Lungs: Not mirror images; right lung is larger than left lung.
- Lobes: Right lung has 3 lobes; left lung has 2 lobes.
Bronchi: Bifurcate from the trachea; each bronchus leads to a separate lung.
Bronchioles: Smaller branches that lead to alveoli.
Alveolus: Site where gas exchange occurs; tiny air sacs in the lungs.

Conduct Air:
- Nose (nares): The external portion where air enters.
- Nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses: Cavities that warm and moisten the air.
- Pharynx: The throat area; includes adenoids and tonsils (immune function).
- Larynx: Contains the vocal cords and epiglottis.
- Trachea: The windpipe that connects larynx to bronchi.
- Bronchi: Air passages that lead to the lungs.
- Bronchioles: Smaller branches that extend into lungs.
- Alveoli: Air sacs where gas exchange occurs with lung capillaries.

Pulmonary Artery: Carries O2-poor blood from the heart to the lungs.
Pulmonary Vein: Carries O2-rich blood from the lungs to the heart.
Vena Cava: Major veins (superior and inferior) returning blood to the heart.

Epistaxis: Nose bleeding; a common and relatively benign occurrence.
Asthma: Characterized by reversible airflow obstruction and bronchospasm.
- Caused by genetic and environmental factors.
Bronchiectasis: Permanent dilation of parts of the airways of the lungs.
- Bronchi become dilated, inflamed, and easily collapsible; can arise from pneumonia, tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis.
Emphysema: Hyperinflation of air sacs caused by loss of elasticity and destruction of alveoli.
- Leads to narrowing of small airways.
- Often associated with chronic inhalation of irritants (e.g., tobacco smoke).
Chronic Bronchitis: Inflammation and excess mucus production in bronchial tubes.
- Characterized by a persistent productive cough for at least three months over two consecutive years.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
- A type of obstructive lung disease characterized by long-term breathing problems.
- Symptoms include shortness of breath and chronic cough with sputum.

Correlation with smoking; malignant tumors characterized by uncontrolled growth.
- Symptoms include coughing (including blood), weight loss, shortness of breath, chest pains.
Diagnosis often involves a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan.
- A radioactive glucose solution is injected; changes in color indicate levels of cancerous activity.

Bronchoscopy: Fiberoptic endoscope inserted into bronchial tubes for diagnosis or specimen collection.
Endotracheal Intubation: Placement of a tube from the mouth to the trachea to maintain airway.
Thoracentesis: Surgical puncture to remove excess fluid from the pleural space.
Tracheostomy: Surgical opening through the neck into the trachea, with a tube placed to provide an airway.
Spirometry: Common pulmonary function test measuring lung function in terms of air volume and flow rate.

Atelectasis: Collapse or closure of lung affecting gas exchange; may involve part or all of a lung.
Pneumothorax: Air in the pleural cavity, causing lung collapse.
Pleural Effusion: Fluid in the pleural cavity, could result from various disorders.
Pneumonia: Inflammatory lung condition caused by infection; characterized by cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing.
Pneumoconiosis: Occupational lung disease from inhaling dust (e.g., asbestosis, anthracosis, silicosis).
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Blood clot in deep vein, can lead to pulmonary embolism (PE).

Adenoids: Lymphatic tissue in the nasopharynx.
Alveolus (plural: Alveoli): Air sac in the lung.
Bronchi (plural for bronchus): Major air passages from trachea to lungs.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Gas produced during metabolism, exhaled through lungs.
Diaphragm: Muscle that separates thoracic and abdominal cavities, essential for breathing.
Expiration: Breathing out air from the lungs.
Inspiration: Breathing in air into the lungs.
Larynx: Voice box containing vocal cords.
Pleural Cavity: Space between the layers of pleura surrounding the lungs.

Understanding these terms and conditions enhances comprehension of medical reports and records, crucial for healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating respiratory diseases.