Respiratory System

Functions of the respiratory system?

delivers air to the lungs
tranport oxygen from inhaled air to blood for delivery to blood cells
expel waste products (carbon dioxide and small amounts of water) returned to lungs by blood through exhalation
produce airflow through larynx that makes speech possible

Respiration - breathing (functions of respiratory system)

exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide that is essential to life
single respiration (breath) - one inhalation and one exhalation - also referred to as ventilation

Inhalation (respiration - functions of the respiratory system)

act of taking in air as the diaphragm contracts and pulls downward
causes thoracic cavity to expand

Exhalation (respiration - functions of the respiratory system)

act of breathing out
causes thoracic cavity to become narrower
forces air out of lungs

External respiration (respiration - functions of the respiratory system)

act of breathing air in and out of the lungs from the outside environment while going trough the process of exchanging oxygen for carbon dioxide

Internal respiration (respiration - functions of the respiratory system)

known as cellular respiration
exchange of gases within the cells of the blood and tissue

Nose (nostrils) - (Upper respiratory tract - structures of the respiratory system)

air enters the body through the nose and passes through the nasal cavity; interior portion of the nose

Mouth (Upper respiratory tract - structures of the respiratory system)

known as the oral cavity, allows food and air to enter the body

Pharynx (Upper respiratory tract - structures of the respiratory system)

commonly known as throat
made up of 3 divisions
receieves air after it passes through the nose or mouth

Epiglottis (Upper respiratory tract - structures of the respiratory system)

lid-like structure located at the base of the tongue
closes off the laryngopharynx so food does not enter the trachea and lungs

Larynx (Upper respiratory tract - structures of the respiratory system)

commonly known as the voice box
triangular chamber located between pharynx and trachea

Trachea (Upper respiratory tract - structures of the respiratory system)

commonly known as the windpipe
transports air to and from lungs
located directly in front of the esophagus

Nasal septum (upper respiratory tract - key terms)

wall of cartilage that divides the nose into two equal sections

Nostrils (upper respiratory tract - key terms)

external openings of the nose

Cilia (upper respiratory tract - key terms)

thin hairs located just inside the nostrils that filter incoming air to remove debris

Mucous membrane (upper respiratory tract - key terms)

specialized tissues that line the nose, as well as the digestive, reproductive, urinary and others parts of the respiratory system

Mucus (upper respiratory tract - key terms)

slippery secretion produced by the mucous membranes that protects and lubricates these tissues

Olfactory receptors (upper respiratory tract - key terms)

nerve endings that act as the receptors for the sense of smell and taste

Tonsils and Adenoids (upper respiratory tract - key terms)

part of the lymphatic system that help protect the body from infection coming through nose or mouth
Palatine tonsils: located at the back of the mouth
Nasopharyngeal tonsils: higher up, behind the nose and the roof of the mouth

Paranasal sinuses (upper respiratory tract - key terms)

air filled cavities lined with mucous membrane
located in bones of skull that help to make the bones of the skull lighter
helps to produce sound by giving resonance to the voice and to produce mucus to provide lubrication for the tissues of nasal cavity

Location of frontal, sphenoid, maxillary, ethmoid sinuses? (paranasal sinuses - key terms of upper respiratory tract)

frontal - located in frontal bone just above eyebrows
sphenoid - located in sphenoid bone behind the eye
maxillary - largest of the paranasal sinuses, located in maxillary bones under eyes
ethmoid - located in ethnmoid bones between nose and eyes

Nasopharynx (upper respiratory tract - key terms)

transports air and opens into the oropharynx

Oropharynx (upper respiratory tract - key terms)

transports air, food and fluids downward to the laryngopharynx

Laryngopharynx (upper respiratory tract - key terms)

air, food and fluids downward to the openings of the esophagus and trachea where air enters the trachea and food and fluids flow into esophagus

Bronchial tree (lower respiratory tract - structures of the respiratory system)

two large tubes (primary bronchi) which branch out from trachea and convey air to the lungs
Each primary bronchus divides and subdivides into increasingly smaller bronchioles - smallest branches of the bronchi

Lungs (lower respiratory tract - structures of the respiratory system)

essential organs of respiration, divided into lobes
located and protected within thoracic cavity/thorax/rib cage
right lung - larger with 3 lobes
left lung - 2 lobes due to space restriction of the heart
upper and lower respiratory tract; bronchial tree - commonly referred to as the airway

Alveoli (lower respiratory tract - structures of the respiratory system)

also known as air sacs
very small, grape like clusters found at the ends of each bronchiole
performs the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
surfactant - detergent like substance that reduces the surface tension of the fluid in the lungs, making the alveoli more stable so they do not collapse when a individual exhales

Mediastinum (lower respiratory tract - structures of the respiratory system)

middle section of the chest cavity and is located between the lungs

Pleura (lower respiratory tract - structures of the respiratory system)

thin, moist, slippery membrane that covers the outer surface of the lungs and lines the inner surface of thoracic cavity
parietal pleura - outer layer that lines the walls of the thoracic cavity, covers the diaphragm and forms the sac containing each lung
visceral pleura - inner layer that covers each lung and is directly attached to the lungs
pleural cavity - thin fluid filled space between the parietal and visceral pleural membranes, allowing for the membranes to slide easily over each other during respiration

Diaphragm (lower respiratory tract - structures of the respiratory system)

dome shaped sheet of muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdomen
contraction and relaxation makes breathing possible

Medical specialities of the respiratory system

Otolaryngologist: also known as an ENT (ears, nose, throat) is a physician with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of sieases and disorders of the head and neck
Pulmonologist: physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the respiratory system
Thoracic surgeon: performs operations on the organs inside the thorax, or chest including heart, lungs and esophagus

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (Pathology)

group of lung diseases in which bronchial airflow is obstructed, making it difficult to breathe
often cause by long term smoking
permanent and progressive
individuals with COPD may also suffer from chronic bronchitis and emphysema

Chronic bronchitis (pathology)

disease in which the airways have become inflamed due to recurrent expose to an inhaled irritant, usually cigarette smoke
may cause chronic coughing, difficulty of getting air in and out of the lungs and bacterial lung infections

Emphysema (pathology)

progressive, long term loss of lung function, usually due to smoking
characterized by a decrease in total number of alveoli, enlargement of remaining alvasive destruction of walls of remaining alveoli which results in rapid, shallow breaths and difficulty breathing

Asthma (pathology)

chronic inflammatory disease of the bronchial tubes, often triggered by an allergic reaction
characterized by episodes of difficulty breathing, coughing and wheezing

Upper respiratory infections - URI (upper respiratory diseases)

aka common cold
can be caused by any one of the 200 different viruses

Allergic rhinitis (upper respiratory diseases)

also known as an allergy that causes and allergic reaction to airborne allergens that causes and increased flow of mucus

Croup - KROOP (upper respiratory diseases)

acute respiratory infection in children and infants resulting in a barking bough and stridor

Diptheria (upper respiratory diseases)

acute bacterial infection of the throat and upper respiratory tract

Epistaxis (upper respiratory diseases)

aka nosebleed
may be caused by dry air, injury, medication to prevent blood clotting or high blood pressure

Influenza (upper respiratory diseases)

aka the flu
an acute, highly contagious viral infection characterized by respiratory inflammation, fever, chills and muscle pain

Pertussis (upper respiratory diseases)

aka whooping cough
contagious, bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract

Rhinorrhea (upper respiratory diseases)

aka runny nose
watery flow of mucus from nose

Sinusitis (upper respiratory diseases)

inflammation of the sinuses

Pharyngitis (upper respiratory diseases)

inflammation of the pharynx, often a symptom of a cold, flu or sinus infection

Laryngospasm (upper respiratory diseases)

sudden spasmodic closure of the larynx, sometimes associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Aphonia (upper respiratory diseases)

loss of the ability of the larynx to produce normal speech sounds

Dysphonia (upper respiratory diseases)

difficulty in speaking, which may include any impairment in vocal quality

Laryngitis (upper respiratory diseases)

inflammation of the larynx, also commonly used to describe voice loss caused by this inflammation

Tracheorrhagia (upper respiratory diseases)

bleeding from the mucous membranes of the trachea

Bronchiectasis (upper respiratory diseases)

permanent dilation of the bronchi, caused by chronic infection and inflammation

Bronchorrhea (upper respiratory diseases)

excessive discharge of mucus from the bronchi, often caused by chronic bronchitis

Pleurisy/pleuritis (upper respiratory diseases)

inflammation of the pleura (membranes that cover lungs and line the pleural cavity), causes pleurodynia

Pleurodynia (upper respiratory diseases)

sharp pain that occurs when inflamed membranes rub against each other with each inhalation

Pleural effusion (upper respiratory diseases)

excess accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, produces a feeling of breathlessness as it prevents the lungs from fully expanding

Pyothorax (upper respiratory diseases)

known as the emphysema of the pleural cavity, prescience of pus in the pleural cavity between the layers of the pleural membrane

Empyema (upper respiratory diseases)

collection of pus in a body cavity

Hemothorax (upper respiratory diseases)

collection of blood in the pleural cavity, often results from chest trauma, disease or surgery

Pneumothorax (upper respiratory diseases)

accumulation of air in the pleural space resulting in a pressure imbalance that causes the lung to fully or partially collapse

Acute respiratory distress syndrome - ARDS (upper respiratory diseases)

lung conditions caused by trauma pneumonia, smoke or fumes, inhaled vomit, or sepsis, inflammation in the lungs and fluid in the alveoli; leads to low levels of oxygen in the blood

Atelectasis (upper respiratory diseases)

known as a collapsed lung, incomplete expansion of part of all of a lung due to a blockage of the air passages or pneumothorax

Pulmonary edema (upper respiratory diseases)

accumulation of fluid in lung tissues, especially the alveoli, often a symptom of heart failure

Pulmonary embolism (upper respiratory diseases)

sudden blockage of a pulmonary artery by foreign matter or by an embolus that has formed in the leg or pelvic region

Pnemorrhagia (upper respiratory diseases)

bleeding from the lungs

Tuberculosis (upper respiratory diseases)

infectious disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis, usually attacks the lungs
can also affect other parts of body - bough in up blood (hemoptysis) is a common symptom of tuberculosis in the lungs

Pnemonia (upper respiratory diseases)

serious inflammation of lungs in which the alveoli and air passages fill with pus and other fluids, commonly caused by an infection and often follows a clod, flu or chronic illness/other condition that weakens the immune system

Cystic fibrosis (upper respiratory diseases)

life threatening genetic disorder in which the lungs and pancreas are clogged with large quantities of abnormally thick mucus resulting in damage to the lungs, poor growth, and nutritional deficiencies

Lung cancer (upper respiratory diseases)

condition in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the lungs, important risk factors for lung cancer are smoking and inhaling secondhand smoke

Apnea (upper respiratory diseases)

temporary abscence of spontaneous respiration, common respiratory problem in premature infants

Bradypnea (upper respiratory diseases)

abnormally slow rate of respiration, usually less than 10 breaths per minute

Cheyne-Stokes respiration (upper respiratory diseases)

irregular pattern of breathing characterized by alternating rapid or shallow respiration follow by slower respiration or apnea

Tachypnea (upper respiratory diseases)

abnormally rapid rate of respiration usually of more than 20 breaths per minute

Dyspnea (upper respiratory diseases)

known as shortness of breath, is difficult or labored breathing, often a symptom of heart failure

Hypernea (upper respiratory diseases)

breathing that is deeper and more rapid than is normal as rest, may occur at a high altitude or cause by anemia or sepsis

Hypopnea (upper respiratory diseases)

shallow or slow respiration

Hyperventilation (upper respiratory diseases)

abnormally rapid rate of deep respiration that is usually associated with anxiety, decreasing the level of carbon dioxide in the blood and causing dizziness and tingling in the fingers and toes

Sleep apnea (upper respiratory diseases)

potentially serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep for long enough periods to cause a measurable decrease in blood oxygen levels

Expectoration (upper respiratory diseases)

act of coughing up and spitting out saliva, mucus, or other body fluid

Hemoptysis (upper respiratory diseases)

expectoration of blood or blood stained sputum derived from the lungs or bronchial tubes as the result of pulmonary or bronchial hemorrhage

Airway obstruction

aka choking
occurs when food or a foreign object partially or completely blocks the airway and prevents air from entering or leaving the lungs

Anoxia (upper respiratory diseases)

abscence of oxygen from the body’s tissues and organs even though there is an adequate flow of blood

Hypoxia (upper respiratory diseases)

condition of having deficient oxygen levels in the body’s tissues and organs, though less severe than anoxia

Asphyxia (upper respiratory diseases)

loss of consciousness that occurs when the body cannot get the oxygen it needs to function

Cyanosis (upper respiratory diseases)

bluish discolouration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by a lack of adequate oxygen in the blood

Hypercapnia (upper respiratory diseases)

abnormal buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood

Hypoxemia (upper respiratory diseases)

condition of having low oxygen levels in the blood, usually due to respiratory disorders or heart conditions

Respiratory failure (upper respiratory diseases)

known as respiratory acidosis, condition in which the level of oxygen in the blood becomes dangerously low or the level of carbon dioxide becomes dangerously high

Smoke inhalation (upper respiratory diseases)

damage to the lungs in which particles from a fire coat the alveoli and prevent the normal exchange of gases

Respiratory rate (diagnostic procedures)

important vital sign that counts the number of breaths (one inhalation and exhalation) per minute

Respiratory sounds (diagnostic procedures)

such as rale, rhonchi and stridor provide info about condition of the lungs and pleura

Bronchoscopy (diagnostic procedures)

visual examination of the bronchi suing a bronchoscope (flexible, fibre-optic device that is passed through the nose or mouth and down the airways), can also be used for operative procedures such as tissue repair or the removal of a foreign object

Chest x-ray (diagnostic procedures)

aka chest imaging
valuable tool for diagnosing pneumonia, lung cancer, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, tuberculosis and emphysema

Laryngoscopy (diagnostic procedures)

visual examination of the larynx and the vocal cords using a flexible or rigid laryngoscope inserted through the mouth

Peak flow meter (diagnostic procedures)

inexpensive handheld devices used to let patients with asthma measure air flowing out of the lungs, revealing any narrowing or the airways in advance of an asthma attack

Polysomnography (diagnostic procedures)

aka sleep study
measures physiological activity during sleep and is often performed to detect nocturnal defects in breathing associated with sleep apnea

Pulmonary function tests (diagnostic procedures)

group of tests that measure volume and flow of air by using a spirometer

Spirometer (diagnostic procedures)

recording device that measures amount of air inhaled or exhaled and the length of time required for each breath

Pulse oximeter (diagnostic procedures)

external monitor placed on the patient’s fingertip or earlobe to measure the oxygen saturation level in the blood

Sputum cytology (diagnostic procedures)

procedure in which a sample of mucus is coughed up from the lungs and then examined under a microscope to detect cancer cells

Antitussive (treatment procedures - medications)

commonly known as cough medicine, administered to prevent or relieve coughing

Bronchodilator (treatment procedures - medications)

medication that relaxes and expands the bronchial passages into the lungs
short acting bronchodilators: rescue medications
long acting bronchodilators: used everyday to control the condition

Metered dose inhaler (treatment procedures - medications)

administers a specific amount of medication such as a bronchodilator in aerosol form, a gas propellant mixes with the medicine to push it into the lungs

Nebulizer (treatment procedures - medications)

electronic device that pumps air or oxygen through a liquid medicine to turn it into a mist, which is then inhaled by the patient via a face mask or mouthpiece

Asthma treatment - controller and quick relief (treatment procedures - medications)

controller medicines: long-acting medications taken daily to prevent attacks by helping to control inflammation and stop airways from reacting to factors that trigger the asthma
quick relief/rescue: taken at the first sign of ant tack to dilate the airways and make breathing easier

Endotracheal intubation (treatment procedures - medications)

passage of a tube through the mouth into the trachea to establish or maintain an open airway

Functionnal endoscopic sinus surgery - FESS (treatment procedures - medications)

procedure performed using an endoscope in which chronic sinusitis is treated by enlarging the opening between the nose and sinus

Laryngectomy (treatment procedures - medications)

surgical removal of the larynx

Laryngotomy (treatment procedures - medications)

surgical incision into the larynx, performed when the upper part of the airway is obstructed

Septoplasty (treatment procedures - medications)

surgical repair or alteration of the nasal septum

Tracheostomy (treatment procedures - medications)

surgical creation of a stoma into the trachea to insert a temporary or permanent tube to facilitate breathing

Tracheotomy (treatment procedures - medications)

procedure in which an incision is made into the trachea to gain access to the airway below a blockage

Pneumonectomy (treatment procedures - medications)

surgical removal of all or part of a lung

Lobectomy (treatment procedures - medications)

surgical removal of a lobe of an organ

Wedge resection (treatment procedures - medications)

surgery in which a small wedge shaped piece of cancerous lung tissue is removed, along with a margin of healthy tissue around the cancer

Thoracentesis (treatment procedures - medications)

surgical puncture of the chest wall with a needle to obtain fluid from the pleural cavity

Thoracotomy (treatment procedures - medications)

surgical incision into the chest walls to open the pleural cavity for biopsy or treatment

Video-assisted thoracic surgery - VATS (treatment procedures - medications)

use of a thoracic cope to view the inside of the pleural cavity through very small incisions

Diaphragmatic breathing (treatment procedures - respiratory therapy)

known as abdominal breathing, relaxation technique used to relieve anxiety

CPAP machine (treatment procedures - respiratory therapy)

noninvasive ventilation device used in the treatment of sleep apnea

BiPAP machine (treatment procedures - respiratory therapy)

similar to a CPAP machine but can be set at a higher pressure for inhaling and a lower pressure for exhaling

Ambu bag (treatment procedures - respiratory therapy)

emergency resuscitator used to assist ventilation

Ventilator (treatment procedures - respiratory therapy)

a mechanical device for artificial respiration that is used to replace or supplement the patient’s natural breathing function, also called a respirator

Supplementary oxygen (treatment procedures - respiratory therapy)

administered when the patient is unable to maintain an adequate oxygen saturation level in the blood from breathing normal air

Abbreviations

ARDS = acute respiratory distress syndrome
Br = chronic bronchitis
CSB = Cheyenne-Stokes breathing
COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
CF = cystic fibrosis
ETT = endotracheal intubation
FESS = functional endoscopic sinus surgery
HBOT = hyperbaric oxygen therapy
PFT = pulmonary function tests
RF = respiratory failure
SIDS = sudden infant death syndrome
TB = tuberculosis
URI = upper respiratory infection