MT Respiratory

Introduction to the Respiratory System

  • The lower respiratory system includes several key anatomical structures, beginning from the nose and nasal cavity and extending to the lungs.

Structure of the Nose and Nasal Cavity

  • Nasal Features:

    • Nares/Nostrils: The external openings through which air enters the nasal cavity.

    • Nasal Septum: A cartilage and bone structure that divides the nasal cavity into right and left sides.

    • Cilia: Tiny hair-like structures in the nasal cavity that sweep particles and pathogens toward the mucous membranes for trapping.

  • Mucous Membranes:

    • Spelling and differentiation of terms:

    • Mucous membranes (m u c o u s) refers to the membranes containing mucus.

    • Mucus (m u c u s) is the viscous liquid secreted by these membranes.

  • Olfactory Receptors: Responsible for the sense of smell.

    • Mnemonic: An old factory smells bad — olfactory receptors aid in detecting these odors.

Tonsils

  • Tonsils are part of the immune system and help to combat infection. Swelling of the tonsils can indicate respiratory infections and can affect breathing.

Pharynx and Larynx

  • Pharynx (Throat):

    • Three sections:

    1. Nasopharynx: Closest to the nasal cavity.

    2. Oropharynx: Located behind the mouth; typically observed during oral examinations.

    3. Laryngopharynx: Closest to the larynx (voice box).

  • Larynx (Voice Box): Contains vocal cords that vibrate to produce sound as air passes through.

Palates and Epiglottis

  • Hard Palate: The bony front portion of the roof of the mouth.

  • Soft Palate: The muscular back part that can be felt with the tongue.

  • Epiglottis: A flap-like structure that closes the laryngopharynx during swallowing to prevent food from entering the trachea.

Trachea and Esophagus

  • Trachea (Windpipe): The tube that carries air to the lungs; located anterior to the esophagus.

  • Esophagus: The tube that carries food to the stomach.

Bronchi and Bronchioles

  • Bronchi: The main branches that split off from the trachea into the lungs.

  • Bronchioles: Smaller subdivisions of the bronchi; lead to alveoli.

    • Alveoli are tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs, characterized by their one-cell-thick walls allowing diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Lungs Structure

  • The right lung consists of three lobes: upper, middle, and lower.

  • The left lung consists of two lobes due to the presence of the heart.

Mediastinum

  • Defined as the middle section of the thoracic cavity containing organs such as the heart, trachea, and esophagus.

Pleura

  • The pleura are two membranes surrounding the lungs:

    • Visceral Pleura: Covers the surface of the lungs.

    • Parietal Pleura: Lines the inner surface of the thoracic cavity.

  • Pleural Cavity: The fluid-filled space between the two pleura layers.

Diaphragm

  • A muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and is crucial for respiration.

    • Inhalation: Diaphragm contracts and moves down, allowing lung expansion.

    • Exhalation: Diaphragm relaxes and moves up.

Respiration vs. Ventilation

  • Ventilation: The physical act of breathing in and out.

  • Respiration: A broader term encompassing the exchange of gases at cellular levels in addition to ventilation.

Common Terms and Definitions

  • Otolaryngologist: Specialist in ear, nose, and throat (ENT).

  • Pulmonologist: Specialist in lung-related disorders.

  • Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi; can be acute or chronic.

  • Asthma: Chronic inflammatory condition of the bronchial tubes causing wheezing and difficulty breathing.

  • Emphysema: Progressive loss of lung function and elasticity; associated with "barrel chest".

Respiratory Conditions and Terms

  • Rhinitis: Inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes (runny nose).

  • Croup: Common respiratory condition in children characterized by a barking cough.

  • Epistaxis: Nosebleed.

  • Pertussis: Also known as whooping cough.

  • Rhinorrhea: Profuse discharge of mucus from the nasal cavity (runny nose).

  • Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the pharynx (sore throat).

  • Bronchorrhea: Abnormal discharge from the bronchi.

  • Pulmonary Edema: Accumulation of fluid in lung tissue.

  • Pneumonia: Inflammation or infection of the lungs caused by various pathogens.

  • Pleural Effusion: Excess fluid accumulation in the pleural space.

  • Pneumothorax: Collection of air in the pleural space causing lung collapse.

  • Atelectasis: Collapsed lung, can be caused by pleural effusion or pneumothorax.

Diagnostics and Tests

  • Polysomnography: A sleep study used to diagnose sleep-related disorders.

  • Spirometer: Device to measure the volume and flow of air during breathing.

  • TB Skin Test: A screening tool used to detect tuberculosis exposure.

Treatments

  • Bronchodilators: Medications used to relax and open airways.

  • Antitussives: Cough suppressants used to relieve coughing.

  • Antibiotics: Used to treat bacterial infections like bacterial pneumonia.

  • Antifungal Treatment: Used for fungal lung infections.

  • Surgical Procedures:

    • Thoracotomy: Surgical incision into the chest wall.

    • Thoracentesis: Procedure to remove fluid from the pleural space.

    • Septoplasty: Surgical repair of the nasal septum.

Emergency Procedures

  • Assisted Ventilation: Manually assisting a patient who is not breathing.

  • Intubation: Insertion of a tube into the trachea to maintain an airway.

  • Ventilator Use: Mechanical device to assist or take over breathing for patients who cannot breathe independently.

Conclusion

  • A comprehensive understanding of the respiratory system includes anatomical structures, common diseases, treatment methods, and diagnostic tools essential for effective respiratory care.