NursingBulletin: Respiratory System

Functions of Respiratory System A. Primary functions 1. The respiratory system provides oxygen for metabolism in the tissues. 2. The respiratory system removes carbon dioxide, the waste product of metabolism. B. Secondary functions 1. The respiratory system facilitates sense of smell. 2. The respiratory system produces speech. 3. The respiratory system maintains acid-base balance. 4. The respiratory system maintains body water levels. 5. The respiratory system maintains heat balance.

A. Primary functions

1. The respiratory system provides oxygen for metabolism in the tissues.

2. The respiratory system removes carbon dioxide, the waste product of metabolism.

B. Secondary functions

1. The respiratory system facilitates sense of smell.

2. The respiratory system produces speech.

3. The respiratory system maintains acid-base balance.

4. The respiratory system maintains body water levels.

5. The respiratory system maintains heat balance.

Physiology When you inhale, air enters through the nose or mouth. As air is breathed through the nose, it is warmed, moistened and filtered by the hairs that line the nostrils. The air then passes into the nasal passages. Air from the nasal passages and mouth enters the pharynx and passes downward to the larynx.

When you inhale, air enters through the nose or mouth. As air is breathed through the nose, it is warmed, moistened and filtered by the hairs that line the nostrils. The air then passes into the nasal passages. Air from the nasal passages and mouth enters the pharynx and passes downward to the larynx.

Upper Respiratory System

Upper Respiratory System NOSE: Openings: exterior: anterior nares to nasopharynx: posterior nares Linings: Ciliated Mucosa (CILIA) Sinuses Draining into the Nose: (Paranasal Sinuses) a. Frontal b. Maxillary c. Sphenoidal d. Ethmoidal Functions: a. Sinuses are air-filled cavities within the hollow bones that surround the nasal passages. b. Sinuses provide resonance during speech.

NOSE:

Openings: exterior: anterior nares

to nasopharynx: posterior nares

Linings: Ciliated Mucosa (CILIA)

Sinuses Draining into the Nose: (Paranasal Sinuses)

a. Frontal b. Maxillary

c. Sphenoidal d. Ethmoidal

Functions:

a. Sinuses are air-filled cavities within the hollow bones that surround the nasal passages.

b. Sinuses provide resonance during speech.

NOSE Filters, warms and humidifies air First defense against foreign particles Inhalation for deep breathing is to be done via nose Exhalation is done through the mouth Serves as passageway for incoming and outgoing air, filtering, warming, moistening, and chemically examining it. Organ of smell (Olfactory receptors located in the nasal mucosa Aids in phonation Once the air enters the nose and mouth, it travels into the pharynx and larynx. The structures of the upper respiratory tract are moist with mucus and are lined with cilia. The CILIA constantly sweep the airways, in an upward motion, to facilitate elimination of bacteria, dust and other particles

Filters, warms and humidifies air

First defense against foreign particles

Inhalation for deep breathing is to be done via nose

Exhalation is done through the mouth

Serves as passageway for incoming and outgoing air, filtering, warming, moistening, and chemically examining it.

Organ of smell (Olfactory receptors located in the nasal mucosa

Aids in phonation

Once the air enters the nose and mouth, it travels into the pharynx and larynx. The structures of the upper respiratory tract are moist with mucus and are lined with cilia. The CILIA constantly sweep the airways, in an upward motion, to facilitate elimination of bacteria, dust and other particles

Pharynx (Throat) Behind oral and nasal cavities Nasopharynx behind nose soft palate, adenoids and eustachian tube Oropharynx from soft palate to base of tongue palatine tonsils (guard the body against invading organism Laryngopharynx base of tongue to esophagus where food and fluids are separated from air bifurcation of larynx and esophagus

Behind oral and nasal cavities

Nasopharynx

behind nose

soft palate, adenoids and eustachian tube

Oropharynx

from soft palate to base of tongue

palatine tonsils (guard the body against invading organism

Laryngopharynx

base of tongue to esophagus

where food and fluids are separated from air

bifurcation of larynx and esophagus

Pharynx Serves as a passageway and entrance to the respiratory and digestive tracts Aids in Phonation Tonsils function to destroy incoming bacteria and detoxify certain foreign proteins

Serves as a passageway and entrance to the respiratory and digestive tracts

Aids in Phonation

Tonsils function to destroy incoming bacteria and detoxify certain foreign proteins

Larynx LOCATION: at the upper end of the trachea, just below the pharynx Structure: 1. Cartilages: nine pieces arranged in a boxlike formation Thyroid cartilage: largest (Adam’s apple) Epiglottis (the lid cartilage) The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped, elastic structure that is attached along one edge to the top of the larynx. Its hingelike action prevents food from entering the trachea (aspiration) by closing over the glottis during swallowing. The epiglottis opens during breathing and coughing. Cricoid (the signet ring cartilage) 2. Vocal Cord False: folds of mucous linings True: fibroelastic bands stretched across the hollow interior of the larynx; the paired vocal cords (folds) and the posterior arythenoid cartilages make up the GLOTTIS; the slit between the vocal cords, through which air enters and leaves the lower respiratory passages, is the rima glottidis

LOCATION: at the upper end of the trachea, just below the pharynx

Structure:

1. Cartilages: nine pieces arranged in a boxlike formation

Thyroid cartilage: largest (Adam’s apple)

Epiglottis (the lid cartilage) The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped, elastic structure that is attached along one edge to the top of the larynx. Its hingelike action prevents food from entering the trachea (aspiration) by closing over the glottis during swallowing. The epiglottis opens during breathing and coughing.

Cricoid (the signet ring cartilage)

2. Vocal Cord

False: folds of mucous linings

True: fibroelastic bands stretched across the hollow interior of the larynx; the paired vocal cords (folds) and the posterior arythenoid cartilages make up the GLOTTIS; the slit between the vocal cords, through which air enters and leaves the lower respiratory passages, is the rima glottidis

Larynx Functions: a. Voice production: during expiration, air passing through the larynx cause the vocal cords to vibrate; short, tense cords b. Serves as a passageway for air and as the entrance to the lower respiratory tract

Functions:

a. Voice production: during expiration, air passing through the larynx cause the vocal cords to vibrate; short, tense cords

b. Serves as a passageway for air and as the entrance to the lower respiratory tract

LOWER RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

TRACHEA Structure 1. Walls: smooth muscle; contain C-shaped rings of cartilages at intervals; these keep the tube open at all times but do not constrict the esophagus, which is directly behind the trachea 2. Lining: Ciliated Mucosa

Structure

1. Walls: smooth muscle; contain C-shaped rings of cartilages at intervals; these keep the tube open at all times but do not constrict the esophagus, which is directly behind the trachea

2. Lining: Ciliated Mucosa

TRACHEA (WINDPIPE) B. Functions This armored tube allows air to pass beyond the larynx to where it divides into the left and right bronchi. The protective ‘C's of cartilage also provide protection to the digestive system's esophagus right behind it. The larynx goes directly into the trachea or the windpipe. The trachea is a tube approximately 12 centimeters in length and 2.5 centimeters wide. The trachea is kept open by rings of cartilage within its walls. Similar to the nasal passages, the trachea is covered with a ciliated mucous membrane. Usually the cilia move mucus and trapped foreign matter to the pharynx. After that, they leave the air passages and are normally swallowed. The respiratory system cannot deal with tobacco smoke very keenly. Smoking stops the cilia from moving. Just one cigarette slows their motion for about 20 minutes. The tobacco smoke increases the amount of mucus in the air passages. When smokers cough, their body is attempting to dispose of the extra mucus.

B. Functions

This armored tube allows air to pass beyond the larynx to where it divides into the left and right bronchi. The protective ‘C's of cartilage also provide protection to the digestive system's esophagus right behind it.

The larynx goes directly into the trachea or the windpipe.

The trachea is a tube approximately 12 centimeters in length and 2.5 centimeters wide.

The trachea is kept open by rings of cartilage within its walls.

Similar to the nasal passages, the trachea is covered with a ciliated mucous membrane.

Usually the cilia move mucus and trapped foreign matter to the pharynx.

After that, they leave the air passages and are normally swallowed.

The respiratory system cannot deal with tobacco smoke very keenly.

Smoking stops the cilia from moving. Just one cigarette slows their motion for about 20 minutes. The tobacco smoke increases the amount of mucus in the air passages. When smokers cough, their body is attempting to dispose of the extra mucus.

MAINSTEM BRONCHI Mainstem Begin at the carina RIGHT BRONCHUS is slightly wider, shorter, & more vertical than the left bronchus Mainstream bronchi divide into 5 secondary or lobar bronchi that enter each of the 5 lobes of the lung The bronchi are lined with cilia which propel mucus up & away from the lower airway to the trachea where it can be expectorated or swallowed The bronchi enter the lungs and spread into a treelike fashion into smaller tubes called bronchial tubes. 3. Bronchioles a. Bronchioles branch from the secondary bronchi and subdivide into the small terminal and respiratory bronchioles. b. The bronchioles contain no cartilage and depend on the elastic recoil of the lung for patency. c. The terminal bronchioles contain no cilia and do not participate in gas exchange

Mainstem

Begin at the carina

RIGHT BRONCHUS is slightly wider, shorter, & more vertical than the left bronchus

Mainstream bronchi divide into 5 secondary or lobar

bronchi that enter each of the 5 lobes of the lung

The bronchi are lined with cilia which propel mucus up & away from the lower airway to the trachea where it can be expectorated or swallowed

The bronchi enter the lungs and spread into a treelike fashion into smaller tubes called bronchial tubes.

3. Bronchioles

a. Bronchioles branch from the secondary bronchi and subdivide into the small terminal and respiratory bronchioles.

b. The bronchioles contain no cartilage and depend on the elastic recoil of the lung for patency.

c. The terminal bronchioles contain no cilia and do not participate in gas exchange

ALVEOLAR DUCTS AND ALVEOLI ALVEOLAR DUCTS & ALVEOLI - used to indicate all structures distal to the terminal bronchiole Alveolar ducts branch from the respiratory bronchioles Alveolar sacs which arise from the ducts contain clusters of alveoli which are basic units of gas exchange Cells in the walls of the alveoli secrete surfactant - phospholipid CHON the reduces the surface tension in the alveoli - without surfactant the alveoli would collapse

ALVEOLAR DUCTS & ALVEOLI

- used to indicate all structures distal to the terminal bronchiole

Alveolar ducts branch from the respiratory bronchioles

Alveolar sacs which arise from the ducts contain clusters of alveoli which are basic units of gas exchange

Cells in the walls of the alveoli secrete surfactant

- phospholipid CHON the reduces the surface tension in the alveoli

- without surfactant the alveoli would collapse

LUNGS Lungs a. The lungs are located in the pleural cavity in the thorax. b. The lungs extend from just above the clavicles to the diaphragm, the MAJOR MUSCLE OF INSPIRATION. c. The RIGHT lung, which is larger than the left, is divided into THREE lobes, the upper, middle, and lower lobes. d. The LEFT lung, which is narrower than the right lung to accommodate the heart, is divided into two lobes. e. Innervation of the respiratory structures is accomplished by the PHRENIC NERVE, the VAGUS NERVE, and the THORACIC nerve. f. The parietal pleura lines the inside of the thoracic cavity, including the upper surface of the diaphragm. g. The visceral pleura covers the pulmonary surfaces. h. A thin fluid layer, which is produced by the cells lining the pleura, lubricates the visceral pleura and the parietal pleura, allowing them to glide smoothly and painlessly during respiration. i. Blood flow through the lungs occurs via the pulmonary system and the bronchial system.

Lungs

a. The lungs are located in the pleural cavity in the thorax.

b. The lungs extend from just above the clavicles to the diaphragm, the MAJOR MUSCLE OF INSPIRATION.

c. The RIGHT lung, which is larger than the left, is divided into THREE lobes, the upper, middle, and lower lobes.

d. The LEFT lung, which is narrower than the right lung to accommodate the heart, is divided into two lobes.

e. Innervation of the respiratory structures is accomplished by the PHRENIC NERVE, the VAGUS NERVE, and the THORACIC nerve.

f. The parietal pleura lines the inside of the thoracic cavity, including the upper surface of the diaphragm.

g. The visceral pleura covers the pulmonary surfaces.

h. A thin fluid layer, which is produced by the cells lining the pleura, lubricates the visceral pleura and the parietal pleura, allowing them to glide smoothly and painlessly during respiration.

i. Blood flow through the lungs occurs via the pulmonary system and the bronchial system.

ACCESSORY MUSCLES ACCESSORY MUSCLES OF RESPIRATION SCALENE MUSCLES Elevate the first 2 ribs STERNOCLEIDOMASTOID MUSCLES Raises the sternum TRAPEZIUS & PECTORALIS MUSCLES Fix the shoulders

ACCESSORY MUSCLES OF RESPIRATION

SCALENE MUSCLES

Elevate the first 2 ribs

STERNOCLEIDOMASTOID MUSCLES

Raises the sternum

TRAPEZIUS & PECTORALIS MUSCLES

Fix the shoulders

The Respiration Process THE RESPIRATION PROCESS the diaphragm descends into the abdominal cavity during inspiration causing (-) pressure in the lungs the (-) pressure draws the air from the area of greater pressure (THE ATMOSPHERE) into an area of lesser pressure (THE LUNGS) In the lungs, air passes thru the terminal bronchioles into the alveoli to oxygenate the body tissues At the end of inspiration, the diaphragm & intercostal muscles relax & the lungs recoil As the lungs recoil, pressure within the lungs becomes greater than atmospheric pressure, causing the air which now contains the cellular waste products of CO2 & H2O to move from the alveoli in the lungs to the atmosphere Expiration is a passive process

THE RESPIRATION PROCESS

the diaphragm descends into the abdominal cavity during inspiration causing (-) pressure in the lungs

the (-) pressure draws the air from the area of greater pressure (THE ATMOSPHERE) into an area of lesser pressure (THE LUNGS)

In the lungs, air passes thru the terminal bronchioles into the alveoli to oxygenate the body tissues

At the end of inspiration, the diaphragm & intercostal muscles relax & the lungs recoil

As the lungs recoil, pressure within the lungs becomes greater than atmospheric pressure, causing the air which now contains the cellular waste products of CO2 & H2O to move from the alveoli in the lungs to the atmosphere

Expiration is a passive process

Respiratory System Recap Questions The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between air, blood and body tissues is known as: A. Inspiration B. Expiration C. Respiration D. Perspiration

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between air, blood and body tissues is known as:

A. Inspiration

B. Expiration

C. Respiration

D. Perspiration

Respiratory System Recap Questions The trachea possesses: Skeletal muscles Pleural fluid C-shaped rings of cartilage Walls with stratified epithelium

The trachea possesses:

Skeletal muscles

Pleural fluid

C-shaped rings of cartilage

Walls with stratified epithelium

Respiratory System Recap Questions Breathing is an automatic process controlled by the: Medulla Hypothalamus Lymph Nodes Hippocampus

Breathing is an automatic process controlled by the:

Medulla

Hypothalamus

Lymph Nodes

Hippocampus

Respiratory System Recap Questions The upper respiratory system tract consists of all the following EXCEPT: Nostrils Larynx Pharynx Trachea

The upper respiratory system tract consists of all the following EXCEPT:

Nostrils

Larynx

Pharynx

Trachea

Respiratory System Recap Questions Which structure helps facilitate speaking? Larynx Pharynx Trachea Epiglottis

Which structure helps facilitate speaking?

Larynx

Pharynx

Trachea

Epiglottis

Respiratory System Recap Questions The respiratory tract is moist with ______ and lined with ____ that sweep particles out of the airways. Surfactant; Cells Fluid; Squamous tissue Mucus; Cilia Surfactant; Cartilage

The respiratory tract is moist with ______ and lined with ____ that sweep particles out of the airways.

Surfactant; Cells

Fluid; Squamous tissue

Mucus; Cilia

Surfactant; Cartilage

Respiratory System Recap Questions This protective structure helps to keep food and fluids out of the airways Glottis Esophagus Epiglottis Larynx

This protective structure helps to keep food and fluids out of the airways

Glottis

Esophagus

Epiglottis

Larynx

Respiratory System Recap Questions These are tiny air sacs at the ends of the bronchioles. They are responsible for oxygen diffusion: Bronchi Alveoli Interstitial Spaces Bronchus

These are tiny air sacs at the ends of the bronchioles. They are responsible for oxygen diffusion:

Bronchi

Alveoli

Interstitial Spaces

Bronchus

Respiratory System Recap Questions These thin sheets of epithelium cover the outer surface of the lungs and the inside of the thoracic cavity: Surfactant Mediastinum Cilia Pleura

These thin sheets of epithelium cover the outer surface of the lungs and the inside of the thoracic cavity:

Surfactant

Mediastinum

Cilia

Pleura

Respiratory System Recap Questions The pleura produce a lubricating fluid called: Mucus Surfactant Mediastinum Squamous

The pleura produce a lubricating fluid called:

Mucus

Surfactant

Mediastinum

Squamous

Respiratory System Recap Questions This structure warms, moistens and filters inhaled air: Trachea Lungs Nose Epiglottis

This structure warms, moistens and filters inhaled air:

Trachea

Lungs

Nose

Epiglottis

Respiratory System Recap Questions Which of the following does not occur during inhalation? The ribs are pulled up and out Air pressure within the chest cavity is reduced The diaphragm is pulled upward The chest cavity becomes larger

Which of the following does not occur during inhalation?

The ribs are pulled up and out

Air pressure within the chest cavity is reduced

The diaphragm is pulled upward

The chest cavity becomes larger

Respiratory System Recap Questions The Adam’s apple is part of which laryngeal cartilage? Epiglottis Thyroid Cricoid Pharynx

The Adam’s apple is part of which laryngeal cartilage?

Epiglottis

Thyroid

Cricoid

Pharynx

Respiratory System Recap Questions Which of the following statements about human lungs is incorrect? They are elastic They are muscular They are surrounded by pleura They are above the diaphragm

Which of the following statements about human lungs is incorrect?

They are elastic

They are muscular

They are surrounded by pleura

They are above the diaphragm

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