Recording-2025-03-26T18:19:14.179Z

Relationship Between the Respiratory System and Kidneys

• The respiratory system and kidneys work closely together, particularly in regulating acid-base balance and gas exchange.

• The respiratory system's primary function is to facilitate gas exchange, while kidneys manage the body's electrolyte balance, water retention, and pH levels.

Case Study: Dry Needling and Its Effects

• Dry Needling: Used by physical therapists; similar to acupuncture, requiring extra education and certification.

• Patient Overview: 52-year-old female experienced dull, radiating pain from the right scapula to her third and fourth digits.

• Initial thought was radiculopathy due to the nerve being pinched, but it was identified as a trigger point in the Serratus Posterior Superior muscle.

• Treatments include massage, stretching, strengthening, and checking posture.

• Dry needling was chosen as treatment, which sometimes acts as an "off switch" for trigger points.

• Patient felt chest pain, tightness, and difficulty breathing during treatment; pulse oximeter reading dropped to 89% (normal is 98-99%).

Functions of the Respiratory System

• Gas Exchange: The primary function; intake of oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide.

• Regulates blood pH: More CO2 leads to lower pH (more acidic).

• Interacts closely with the cardiovascular system (CV); failure in one can affect the other due to their proximity.

Structure of the Respiratory System

• Upper Respiratory System: Includes the nose, nasal cavity, and pharynx.

• Lower Respiratory System: Comprises the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

• Functional Classification:

  • Conducting Zones: Air passages where no gas exchange occurs (nose to terminal bronchioles).

  • Respiratory Zones: Areas where gas exchange occurs (from respiratory bronchioles to alveoli).

Pharynx and Larynx

• Pharynx Sections: Nasopharynx (airway), Oropharynx (both food and air), Laryngopharynx (airway and food passage).

• Epiglottis: Cartilage that folds down to cover the trachea during swallowing, preventing food from entering.

• Larynx Functions: Conducts air to trachea, contains vocal cords for sound production. Composed of nine cartilages.

  • True Vocal Folds: Produce sound; can be damaged by overuse.

  • False Vocal Folds: Protect the airway during swallowing, are less delicate.

Bronchial Pathway and Lungs

• Trachea: Divides into primary bronchi; right bronchus wider and shorter than left due to heart's position.

• Carina: Area that causes a strong cough reflex when stimulated; bifurcation point of trachea.

• Lobular Division: Bronchi further divide into secondary (lobar) and tertiary (segmental) bronchi.

• On average, ten segmental bronchi per lung.

Lung Anatomy and Pleura

• Pleura: Visceral pleura covers lung surface; parietal pleura lines chest wall. Produces serous fluid for lubrication during breathing.

• Inflammation of Pleura (Pleurisy): Causes pain during inhalation; can have multiple origins, including infection.

• Lung Structure: Right lung has three lobes, left lung has two lobes (due to cardiac notch).

• Hilum: Area where blood vessels enter the lungs.

• Diaphragm: Primary muscle for respiration. Functioning diaphragm is essential for breathing.

Respiratory Physiology

• External Respiration: Gas exchange in the lungs (oxygen in, CO2 out).

• Internal Respiration: Gas exchange at the tissue level.

• Both processes require consumption of oxygen and production of carbon dioxide, which diffuses easily from cells to blood.