Skip to main content
THE RESPIRATORY
SYSTEM
-:Presented By:-
MR.SAWAN JOSHI
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Department Of MSN
• The respiratory system is one of the most important systems
of the human body.
• It helps us to breathe by taking in oxygen (O )
₂ and removing
carbon dioxide (CO )
₂ .
• Oxygen is needed by body cells to produce energy for normal
body functions.
• Carbon dioxide is a waste gas that must be removed from the
body.
• The respiratory system works closely with the circulatory
system to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• A healthy respiratory system is essential for life, growth, and
good health.
• Nurses should understand the respiratory system to assess
breathing and provide proper patient care.
• Key Message
• “The main function of the respiratory system is to supply
INTRODUCTION
-:What is The Respiratory System:-
Definition
The respiratory system is that helps the body to breathe. It takes oxygen (O )
₂
from the air into the body and removes carbon dioxide (CO )
₂ , a waste gas, from
the body.
Functions of the Respiratory System
 Takes oxygen (O ) into the body.
₂
 Removes carbon dioxide (CO ) from the body.
₂
 Helps in the exchange of gases.
 Supports voice production.
 Helps in the sense of smell.
Remember
 Breathing
Breathing is the process of taking air into the lungs (inhalation) and moving air
out of the lungs (exhalation).
 Respiration
Respiration is the process by which the body takes oxygen (O ) and removes
₂
carbon dioxide (CO )
₂ to produce energy for body cells.
-:Function Of The Respiratory System:-
 Provides Oxygen: Supplies oxygen (O ) to the body cells for energy production.
₂
 Removes Carbon Dioxide: Removes carbon dioxide (CO ), a waste gas, from
₂
the body.
 Gas Exchange: Exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide in the alveoli of the lungs.
 Voice Production: The larynx (voice box) helps in producing sound and speech.
 Sense of Smell: The nose contains smell receptors that help us identify
different odors.
 Warms, Moistens, and Filters Air: The nose warms, moistens, and cleans
the air before it reaches the lungs.
 Maintains Acid–Base Balance: Helps maintain the normal pH (acid–base
balance) of the blood by controlling the amount of carbon dioxide.
Remember
Main Function: To supply oxygen to the body and remove carbon dioxide from the
body.
-:Structure Of The Respiratory System:-
The respiratory system is divided into two parts:
1. Upper Respiratory Tract
Nose
Nasal Cavity
Pharynx (Throat)
Larynx (Voice Box)
2. Lower Respiratory Tract
Trachea (Windpipe)
Right and Left Bronchi
Bronchioles
Lungs
Alveoli (Air Sacs)
Pathway of Air
Nose Nasal Cavity Pharynx Larynx Trachea Bronchi Bronchioles
→ → → → → → →
Alveoli
Remember
The alveoli are the main site of gas exchange, where oxygen enters the blood
and carbon dioxide leaves the blood.
-: Nose :-
 Definition
The nose is the first organ of the respiratory system. It is the main passage
through which air enters and leaves the body.
 Location
Located in the center of the face.
Lies between the two eyes and above the upper lip.
Opens externally through two nostrils (external nares).
 Shape
Pyramid-shaped.
The upper one-third is formed by bones, and the lower two-thirds are formed by
cartilage.
 Size (Adult)
Length: 5–7 cm (approximately).
External size varies slightly among individual
 Exam Point (Small Box):
The nose is the first organ of the respiratory system and is the main
passage for air.
-: Parts Of The Nose :-
 Parts of the Nose
The nose is divided into two parts:
1. External Nose
It is the visible part of the nose present on the face.
It forms the entrance of the respiratory tract.
It allows air to enter the nasal cavity through the nostrils (external nares).
2. Internal Nose (Nasal Cavity)
It is the hollow space inside the nose.
It extends from the nostrils (external nares) to the posterior nasal openings
which open into the pharynx.
It is divided into right and left nasal cavities by the nasal septum.
It is lined by a mucous membrane that helps clean, warm, and moisten the air.
Remember
External Nose = Visible part of the nose.
Internal Nose (Nasal Cavity) = Air passage inside the nose.
-: Structure of the Nose :-
-: Parts Of The Nose :-
External Nose
Definition
The external nose is the visible part of the nose present on the face. It forms the
entrance of the respiratory system and allows air to enter the nasal cavity.
Parts of the External Nose
1. Root
The upper fixed part of the nose.
Located between the two eyes.
Formed mainly by the nasal bones.
2. Bridge (Dorsum)
Extends from the root to the tip of the nose.
Forms the upper surface of the nose.
Supported by bone and cartilage.
3. Apex (Tip)
The lower pointed end of the nose.
Formed mainly by cartilage.
Soft and flexible.
4. Alae (Wings)
Soft and rounded sides of the nose.
Form the outer boundary of the nostrils.
Help keep the nostrils open during breathing.
5. External Nares (Nostrils)
Two external openings of the nose.
Allow air to enter and leave the respiratory tract.
Lead into the nasal cavity.
Exam Point
The external nose consists of five main parts:
Root, Bridge (Dorsum), Apex, Alae, and External
Nares.
-: Parts Of The Nose :-
https://youtu.be/TrY2rjYjXJA
-: Parts Of The Nose :-
Internal Nose (Nasal Cavity)
Definition
The internal nose, also called the nasal cavity, is the
hollow space inside the nose. It is the main passage through
which air flows before reaching the pharynx.
Location
Extends from the external nares (nostrils) to the posterior
nasal openings
Opens posteriorly into the pharynx.
Structure
Divided into right and left nasal cavities by the nasal
septum.
Lined by a mucous membrane.
Contains cilia (tiny hairs) that trap dust and
microorganisms.
The lateral wall contains three nasal conchae (turbinates):
Superior nasal concha
Middle nasal concha
Inferior nasal concha
1. Air Passage
Provides a passage for air to enter and leave the respiratory system.
2. Filters the Air
Cilia and mucus trap dust, germs, and other foreign particles.
3. Warms the Air
The rich blood supply of the nasal cavity warms the inspired air before it reaches the lungs.
4. Moistens the Air
The mucous membrane adds moisture to the inspired air and prevents dryness of the respiratory tract.
5. Sense of Smell
The olfactory receptors in the roof of the nasal cavity help us detect different smells.
6. Resonating Chamber
The nasal cavity acts as a resonating chamber, which improves the quality and tone of the voice.
Clinical Importance
A deviated nasal septum (DNS) can obstruct airflow and make breathing difficult.
Infection of the nasal cavity or sinuses may cause sinusitis.
Inflammation of the nasal mucosa causes rhinitis.
Exam Point
The main functions of the nasal cavity are to filter, warm, moisten the air, and provide the sense of
smell.
-: Functions of the Nose :-
-: Blood Supply, Nerve Supply & Lymphatic Drainage of the Nose :-
Blood Supply
The nose receives a rich blood supply from:
• Facial artery
• Maxillary artery
• Ophthalmic artery
These arteries form a rich network in the anterior part of the nasal septum called Kiesselbach’s
plexus (Little’s area), which is the most common site of nosebleed (epistaxis).
Nerve Supply
o Sensory Nerve
Trigeminal nerve (CN V) supplies general sensation to the nose.
o Special Sensory Nerve
Olfactory nerve (CN I) supplies the sense of smell.
Lymphatic Drainage
• Anterior part → Submandibular lymph nodes
• Posterior part → Retropharyngeal and Deep cervical lymph nodes
-: Paranasal Sinuses :-
Definition
The paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities
present in the bones of the skull around the nasal
cavity. They are lined with mucous membrane
and communicate with the nasal cavity through
small openings.
Types of Paranasal Sinuses
Frontal Sinuses – Located in the frontal bone
(forehead).
Maxillary Sinuses – Located in the maxillary
bones (cheeks). They are the largest paranasal
sinuses.
Ethmoidal Sinuses – Located in the ethmoid
bone, between the two eyes.
Sphenoidal Sinuses – Located in the sphenoid
bone, behind the nasal cavity.
Functions Of Paranasal Sinuses
 Make the skull lighter.
 Produce mucus to keep the nasal cavity moist.
 Warm and humidify inspired air.
 Improve the quality of the voice (resonance).
 Protect the skull by acting as an air cushion.
Exam Point
There are four pairs of paranasal sinuses: Frontal, Maxillary, Ethmoidal, and Sphenoidal.
Tips:-“FEMS”
F – Frontal
E – Ethmoidal
M – Maxillary
S – Sphenoidal
-: Paranasal Sinuses :-
-: Pharynx :-
Definition
The pharynx is a muscular, funnel-shaped tube that connects the nasal cavity and oral
cavity to the larynx and esophagus. It acts as a common passage for both air and food.
Location
Located behind the nose and mouth.
Extends from the base of the skull to the lower border of the sixth cervical vertebra (C6).
Continues with the esophagus.
Shape
Funnel-shaped (widest at the top and narrow at the bottom).
Size (Adult)
Length: Approximately 12–14 cm.
Width: About 5 cm at the upper end (varies among individuals).
Important Point
The pharynx is a part of both:
Respiratory System (Passage for air)
Digestive System (Passage for food)
Exam Point
The pharynx is a common passage for both air and food.
-: Parts Of The Pharynx :-
The pharynx is divided into three parts according to
its location.
1. Nasopharynx
Upper part of the pharynx.
Located behind the nasal cavity.
Extends from the base of the skull to the soft palate.
Only air passes through this part.
2. Oropharynx
Middle part of the pharynx.
Located behind the oral cavity (mouth).
Extends from the soft palate to the upper border of
the epiglottis.
Both air and food pass through this part.
3. Laryngopharynx (Hypopharynx)
Lower part of the pharynx.
Located behind the larynx.
Extends from the epiglottis to the lower border of
the cricoid cartilage (C6 vertebra).
Continues as the esophagus.
Both air and food pass through this part.
Definition
The nasopharynx is the upper part of the pharynx. It is located behind the nasal cavity and acts as a
passage for air only.
Location
• Lies behind the nasal cavity.
• Extends from the base of the skull to the soft palate.
Structure
• Connected to the nasal cavity through the choanae (posterior nasal openings).
• Lined by ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium (respiratory epithelium).
• Contains the pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids) on its posterior wall.
• The opening of the Eustachian (auditory) tube is present on each side.
Functions
• Provides a passage for air from the nasal cavity to the oropharynx.
• Helps equalize air pressure in the middle ear through the Eustachian tube.
• The pharyngeal tonsil helps protect the body from infection.
Clinical Importance
Enlargement of the adenoids may block the airway and cause difficulty in breathing, snoring, and mouth
breathing.
Infection of the nasopharynx may cause a sore throat or upper respiratory infection.
-: Nasopharynx :-
-: Oropharynx :-
Definition
The oropharynx is the middle part of the pharynx. It is located behind the oral cavity (mouth)
and serves as a common passage for air and food.
Location
• Lies behind the oral cavity.
• Extends from the soft palate to the upper border of the epiglottis.
Structure
• Connected to the mouth through the oral cavity.
• Lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.
• Contains the palatine tonsils on both sides.
• The base of the tongue forms the anterior wall.
Functions
• Provides a passage for air and food.
• Helps in swallowing (deglutition).
• Plays an important role in speech.
• The palatine tonsils help protect the body from infection.
Clinical Importance
Infection of the palatine tonsils causes tonsillitis.
Symptoms include sore throat, pain during swallowing, fever, and enlarged tonsils.
-: Laryngopharynx :-
Definition
The laryngopharynx, also called the hypopharynx, is the lowest part of the pharynx. It is located
behind the larynx and serves as a common passage for air and food.
Location
• Lies behind the larynx.
• Extends from the upper border of the epiglottis to the lower border of the cricoid cartilage (C6
vertebra).
• Continues below as the esophagus.
Structure
• Lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.
• Opens anteriorly into the larynx.
• Continues posteriorly into the esophagus.
Functions
• Provides a common passage for air and food.
• Directs air into the larynx.
• Directs food and liquids into the esophagus during swallowing.
Clinical Importance
• During swallowing, the epiglottis closes the opening of the larynx to prevent food from entering the
airway.
-: Blood Supply, Nerve Supply & Lymphatic Drainage of the Pharynx -:
Blood Supply
The pharynx receives blood mainly from the following arteries:
• Ascending pharyngeal artery (main blood supply)
• Facial artery
• Maxillary artery
• Lingual artery
• Superior thyroid artery
Venous Drainage
• Blood is drained by the pharyngeal venous plexus.
• The pharyngeal venous plexus drains into the internal jugular vein.
Nerve Supply
Motor Nerve Supply
• Vagus nerve (CN X) supplies most muscles of the pharynx.
• Stylopharyngeus muscle is supplied by the Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).
Sensory Nerve Supply
• Nasopharynx Maxillary nerve (
→ CN V₂)
• Oropharynx Glossopharyngeal nerve (
→ CN IX)
• Laryngopharynx Vagus nerve (
→ CN X)
Lymphatic Drainage
The lymph from the pharynx drains into:
• Retropharyngeal lymph nodes
• Deep cervical lymph nodes
-: Function Of Pharynx :-
Functions of the Pharynx
1. Passage for Air
Carries air from the nasal cavity to the larynx.
2. Passage for Food
Carries food and liquids from the mouth to the esophagus.
3. Swallowing (Deglutition)
Helps move food from the mouth to the esophagus during swallowing.
4. Voice Resonance
Acts as a resonating chamber and improves the quality of the voice.
5. Protection
Pharyngeal and palatine tonsils help protect the body from microorganisms.
6. Pressure Equalization
The Eustachian tube opens into the nasopharynx and helps maintain equal air pressure
in the middle ear.
-: Larynx :-
Definition
The larynx is a hollow, cartilaginous organ of the respiratory system. It connects the pharynx to the
trachea and is commonly called the voice box because it contains the vocal cords.
Location
Located in the anterior part of the neck.
Lies opposite the C3–C6 vertebrae.
Extends from the laryngopharynx to the trachea.
Shape
Triangular or box-shaped.
Formed by nine cartilages connected by ligaments and muscles.
Size (Adult)
Length: Approximately 4–5 cm
Width: About 4 cm in males and slightly smaller in females.
More prominent in males, forming the Adam’s apple (laryngeal prominence).
Associated Structures
Superiorly → Laryngopharynx
Inferiorly → Trachea
Anteriorly → Thyroid gland (partly)
Posteriorly → Laryngopharynx
Exam Point
-: Diagram:-
-: Cartilages of the Larynx :-
The larynx is supported by 9 cartilages.
These cartilages are divided into two groups:
1. Unpaired Cartilages (3 Single Cartilages)
Thyroid cartilage – Largest cartilage; forms the Adam’s apple.
Cricoid cartilage – The only complete ring-shaped cartilage of the respiratory tract.
Epiglottis – Leaf-shaped cartilage that prevents food from entering the trachea during
swallowing.
2. Paired Cartilages (3 Pairs = 6 Cartilages)
1 Pair of Arytenoid cartilages (2)
1 Pair of Corniculate cartilages (2)
1 Pair of Cuneiform cartilages (2)
Total Cartilages = 3 (Unpaired) + 6 (Paired) = 9 Cartilages
Exam Point
The larynx contains 9 cartilages:
3 Unpaired cartilages
3 Pairs of paired cartilages (6 cartilages)
-: Blood Supply, Nerve Supply & Lymphatic Drainage of the Larynx :-
Blood Supply
The larynx receives blood from:
Arteries
• Superior laryngeal artery (branch of the Superior thyroid artery)
• Inferior laryngeal artery (branch of the Inferior thyroid artery)
Veins
• Superior laryngeal vein
• Inferior laryngeal vein
These veins drain into the Superior and Inferior thyroid veins.
Nerve Supply
Motor Nerve Supply
• Recurrent laryngeal nerve (branch of the Vagus nerve – CN X) supplies all intrinsic muscles of the
larynx except the cricothyroid muscle.
• External branch of the Superior laryngeal nerve supplies the cricothyroid muscle.
Sensory Nerve Supply
• Internal branch of the Superior laryngeal nerve supplies the mucosa above the vocal cords.
• Recurrent laryngeal nerve supplies the mucosa below the vocal cords.
Lymphatic Drainage
• Above the vocal cords → Deep cervical lymph nodes
• Below the vocal cords → Pretracheal and Deep cervical lymph nodes
-: Functions of the Larynx :-
1. Air Passage
Provides a passage for air from the pharynx to the trachea.
2. Voice Production (Phonation)
The true vocal cords vibrate to produce sound during speech.
3. Protection of the Airway
During swallowing, the epiglottis closes the laryngeal inlet to prevent food
and liquids from entering the trachea.
4. Cough Reflex
Helps remove dust, mucus, and foreign particles from the airway.
5. Helps in Breathing
Keeps the airway open and allows the free passage of air.
-:Trachea (Windpipe):-
Definition
The trachea, also called the windpipe, is a tube-like organ of the respiratory system. It carries air from
the larynx to the right and left bronchi.
Location
Begins at the lower border of the cricoid cartilage (C6 vertebra).
Lies in front of the esophagus.
Ends at the sternal angle (T4–T5 vertebra), where it divides into the right and left main bronchi.
Shape
Cylindrical (tube-shaped).
Flexible but kept open by C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings.
Size (Adult)
Length: Approximately 10–12 cm
Diameter: Approximately 2–2.5 cm
Associated Structures
Superiorly: Larynx
Inferiorly: Right and Left Main Bronchi
Anteriorly: Thyroid gland (upper part) and sternum
Posteriorly: Esophagus
Exam Point
The trachea extends from the C6 vertebra to the T4–T5 vertebra and divides into the right and left
-: Diagram Of Trachea :-
-:Structure of the Trachea:-
The wall of the trachea is made up of four layers.
1. Mucosa (Inner Layer)
Lined by ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium.
Contains goblet cells, which produce mucus.
Cilia move mucus and trapped dust upward toward the throat.
2. Submucosa
Contains blood vessels, nerves, and mucous glands.
Helps keep the trachea moist.
3. Cartilaginous Layer
Formed by 16–20 C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings.
The open part of the rings lies posteriorly.
The trachealis muscle joins the open ends of the cartilage rings.
Prevents the trachea from collapsing during breathing.
4. Adventitia (Outer Layer)
Outermost connective tissue layer.
Supports and attaches the trachea to surrounding structures.
Important Structures
Carina
A ridge present at the lower end of the trachea.
Located at the point where the trachea divides into the right and left main bronchi.
-: Blood Supply, Nerve Supply & Lymphatic Drainage of the Trachea :-
Blood Supply
Arteries
The trachea receives blood from:
Inferior thyroid artery (Cervical part)
Bronchial arteries (Thoracic part)
Veins
Blood is drained by:
Inferior thyroid veins
Bronchial veins
Lymphatic Drainage
Lymph from the trachea drains into:
Pretracheal lymph nodes
Paratracheal lymph nodes
Tracheobronchial lymph nodes
Nerve Supply
Parasympathetic Nerve
Vagus nerve (CN X)
Causes bronchoconstriction and increases
mucus secretion.
Sympathetic Nerve
Fibers from the sympathetic trunk
Cause bronchodilation and reduce mucus
secretion.
-:Functions & Clinical Importance of the Trachea :-
1. Air Passage
• Provides a passage for air between the larynx and the bronchi.
2. Maintains an Open Airway
• C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings keep the trachea open and prevent it from
collapsing during breathing.
3. Filters the Air
• Mucus traps dust, bacteria, and other foreign particles.
• Cilia move the trapped particles upward toward the pharynx for removal.
4. Warms and Moistens the Air
• The mucous membrane warms and humidifies the inspired air before it reaches the
lungs.
5. Cough Reflex
• The carina is highly sensitive and triggers the cough reflex when foreign particles
enter the airway.
-: Bronchi :-
Right Main Bronchus Left Main Bronchus
Length: 2–2.5 cm Length: 4–5 cm
Wider Narrower
Shorter Longer
More Vertical More Horizontal
Definition
The bronchi are the two main branches of the trachea that carry air from the trachea to the lungs. They are known
as the right main bronchus and left main bronchus.
Location
• Begin at the carina (bifurcation of the trachea) at the level of T4–T5 vertebra.
• The right bronchus enters the right lung.
• The left bronchus enters the left lung.
Shape
• Tube-shaped structures.
• Supported by irregular plates of hyaline cartilage.
Size (Adult)
Associated Structures
• Superiorly: Trachea
• Inferiorly: Bronchioles
• Laterally: Right and Left Lungs
Difference:-
-: Structure of the Bronchi :-
The bronchi are formed by the division of
the trachea at the carina. Each main
bronchus enters the lung through the hilum
and divides into smaller branches.
Bronchial Tree
Trachea
↓
Right & Left Main Bronchi (Primary Bronchi)
↓
Lobar Bronchi (Secondary Bronchi)
Right lung – 3 lobar bronchi
Left lung – 2 lobar bronchi
↓
Segmental Bronchi (Tertiary Bronchi)
Supply individual bronchopulmonary segments.
↓
Bronchioles
Smaller airways.
No cartilage in their walls.
↓
Terminal Bronchioles
Last part of the conducting airway.
↓
Respiratory Bronchioles
Beginning of the respiratory zone.
Lead to alveolar ducts and alveoli.
Wall of the Bronchi
The bronchial wall consists of:
Mucosa – Ciliated epithelium with goblet cells.
Smooth Muscle – Controls airway diameter.
Hyaline Cartilage Plates – Keep the bronchi
open.
Connective Tissue – Provides support.
-: Blood Supply, Nerve Supply & Lymphatic Drainage of the Bronchi :-
Blood Supply
Arterial Supply
The bronchi receive blood from the bronchial
arteries.
Right bronchial artery – Usually arises from the
3rd posterior intercostal artery or the left
bronchial artery.
Left bronchial arteries – Usually two in number
and arise directly from the thoracic aorta.
Venous Drainage
Blood is drained by:
Bronchial veins
Some blood also drains into the pulmonary veins.
Nerve Supply
The bronchi are supplied by the pulmonary plexus.
Parasympathetic Supply
Vagus nerve (CN X)
Causes bronchoconstriction
Increases mucus secretion
Sympathetic Supply
Fibers from the sympathetic trunk (T1–T5)
Cause bronchodilation
Decrease mucus secretion
Lymphatic Drainage
Lymph from the bronchi drains into:
• Pulmonary lymph nodes
• Bronchopulmonary (Hilar) lymph nodes
• Tracheobronchial lymph nodes
• Paratracheal lymph nodes
-: Functions of the Bronchi :-
1. Conduct Air
Carry air from the trachea to the lungs and back during expiration.
2. Distribute Air
Divide into smaller branches to deliver air evenly to all parts of the lungs.
3. Keep the Airway Open
Hyaline cartilage plates prevent the bronchi from collapsing during breathing.
4. Filter the Air
Mucus traps dust, bacteria, and other foreign particles.
Cilia move trapped particles upward toward the pharynx (mucociliary escalator).
5. Regulate Airflow
Smooth muscles control the diameter of the bronchi.
They relax to increase airflow (bronchodilation).
They contract to decrease airflow (bronchoconstriction).
6. Warm and Humidify Air
The bronchial mucosa warms and moistens inspired air before it reaches the alveoli.
-: Introduction to the Lungs :-
Definition
• Pair of soft, spongy, cone-shaped organs present in the thoracic cavity.
• Main organs of respiration.
• Exchange oxygen (O ) and carbon dioxide (CO ).
₂ ₂
Location
• Located in the thoracic cavity.
• One lung lies on each side of the mediastinum.
• Rest on the diaphragm.
• Protected by the rib cage.
Shape
• Cone-shaped.
• Apex – Upper pointed end.
• Base – Broad lower surface resting on the diaphragm.
Size
• Right lung – Shorter and wider.
• Left lung – Longer and narrower.
Average Weight
• Right lung – 550–650 g
• Left lung – 450–550 g
Covering
• Visceral pleura – Covers the lung surface.
• Parietal pleura – Lines the thoracic cavity.
⭐ Exam Point
Right lung is larger and heavier than
the left lung because the heart
occupies more space on the left side.
-: External Features of the Lungs :-
External Features of the Lungs
1. Apex
The upper pointed end of the lung.
Extends about 2–3 cm above the clavicle into the root of the neck.
2. Base
Broad lower surface of the lung.
Rests on the diaphragm.
Also called the diaphragmatic surface.
3. Surfaces
Each lung has three surfaces:
Costal Surface – Faces the ribs and sternum.
Mediastinal Surface – Faces the mediastinum and contains the hilum.
Diaphragmatic Surface – Rests on the diaphragm.
4. Borders
Each lung has three borders:
Anterior Border
Posterior Border
Inferior Border
5. Cardiac Notch
Present only in the left lung.
Provides space for the heart.
Exam Point
-: Lobes of the Lungs :-
Lobes of the Lungs
Right Lung
Divided into three lobes:
Superior (Upper) Lobe
Middle Lobe
Inferior (Lower) Lobe
Left Lung
Divided into two lobes:
Superior (Upper) Lobe
Inferior (Lower) Lobe
Lingula
A tongue-like projection of the superior lobe of the left lung.
It corresponds anatomically to the middle lobe of the right lung.
-: Fissures of the Lungs :-
Fissures of the Lungs
Fissures are deep grooves that divide the lungs into different lobes.
Right Lung
The right lung has two fissures:
1. Horizontal Fissure
Separates the Superior Lobe from the Middle Lobe.
2. Oblique Fissure
Separates the Middle Lobe from the Inferior Lobe.
Left Lung
The left lung has one fissure:
Oblique Fissure
Separates the Superior Lobe from the Inferior Lobe.
Importance of Fissures
Divide the lungs into lobes.
Allow the lobes to expand independently during breathing.
Help localize lung diseases on X-ray and CT scan.
Important landmarks during lung surgery.
-: Hilum of the Lung :-
Definition
The hilum is a triangular depression present on the mediastinal surface of each lung. It is the entry
and exit point for structures that enter or leave the lung.
Location
• Present on the mediastinal surface of both lungs.
• Faces the mediastinum.
• Forms the gateway between the lung and the mediastinum.
Structures Passing Through the Hilum
• Main (Primary) Bronchus
• Pulmonary Artery
• Two Pulmonary Veins
• Bronchial Arteries and Veins
• Lymphatic Vessels
• Pulmonary Lymph Nodes
• Pulmonary Nerves
Functions
• Provides a passage for air, blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics.
• Connects the lungs with the mediastinum.
• Supports communication between the lungs and the rest of the body.
-: Root of the Lung :-
Definition
The root of the lung is a short, broad bundle of structures that connects each lung to the mediastinum.
It passes through the hilum and is enclosed by a sleeve of pleura.
Location
• Situated at the hilum on the mediastinal surface of each lung.
• Connects the lung with the heart, trachea, and mediastinum.
Structures Present in the Root of the Lung
• Main (Primary) Bronchus
• Pulmonary Artery
• Two Pulmonary Veins (Superior & Inferior)
• Bronchial Arteries
• Bronchial Veins
• Lymphatic Vessels
• Pulmonary Lymph Nodes
• Pulmonary Nerves
• Pleural Sleeve
Functions
• Anchors the lung to the mediastinum.
• Provides a pathway for air, blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics.
• Supports communication between the lungs and the rest of the body.
-: Blood Supply of the Lungs :-
The lungs receive blood from two different circulations:
1. Pulmonary Circulation (Functional Blood Supply)
• Carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs through the
pulmonary arteries.
• Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli.
• Oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium through the pulmonary veins.
2. Bronchial Circulation (Nutritional Blood Supply)
• Bronchial arteries arise from the thoracic aorta.
• Supply oxygenated blood to:
o Bronchi
o Connective tissue
o Visceral pleura
o Supporting tissues of the lungs
• Bronchial veins drain into the azygos vein (right side) and hemiazygos/accessory
hemiazygos veins (left side).
-: Nerve Supply & Lymphatic Drainage of the Lungs :-
Nerve Supply of the Lungs
The lungs receive nerve supply through the pulmonary plexus, which is formed by:
Parasympathetic Nerve Supply
• Vagus Nerve (Cranial Nerve X)
• Causes bronchoconstriction.
• Increases mucus secretion.
• Helps regulate normal breathing.
Sympathetic Nerve Supply
• Fibres arise from the thoracic sympathetic trunk (T2–T5).
• Causes bronchodilation.
• Decreases mucus secretion.
• Increases airflow during exercise and stress.
Lymphatic Drainage of the Lungs
• Lymph from the lungs drains through the following lymph nodes:
• Pulmonary (Intrapulmonary) Lymph Nodes
• Bronchopulmonary (Hilar) Lymph Nodes
• Tracheobronchial Lymph Nodes
• Paratracheal Lymph Nodes
• Finally drains into the Bronchomediastinal Lymph Trunk.
-: Diaphragm :-
Definition
• The diaphragm is a dome-shaped musculotendinous partition that separates the thoracic cavity from
the abdominal cavity.
• It is the principal muscle of respiration.
Location
• Located between the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
• Forms the floor of the thoracic cavity and the roof of the abdominal cavity.
Main Features
• Dome-shaped muscle.
• Has a right dome and a left dome.
• The right dome is slightly higher than the left because of the liver.
• The centre is formed by the central tendon.
Functions
• Principal muscle of respiration.
• Contracts during inspiration and relaxes during expiration.
• Increases the volume of the thoracic cavity.
• Assists in coughing, sneezing, vomiting, defecation, urination and childbirth.
-: Functions of the Lungs :-
A. Respiratory Functions
 Gas Exchange
o Oxygen (O ) enters the blood.
₂
o Carbon dioxide (CO ) is removed from the body.
₂
 Oxygenation of Blood
o Maintains adequate oxygen supply to body
tissues.
 Removal of Carbon Dioxide
o Eliminates CO produced during cellular
₂
metabolism.
 Regulation of Blood pH
o Helps maintain acid–base balance by controlling
CO levels.
₂
B. Non-Respiratory Functions
 Filtration of Blood
o Removes small blood clots, air bubbles, and
other particles from the pulmonary circulation.
 Defence Mechanism
o Mucus, cilia, alveolar macrophages, and
immune cells protect against microorganisms
and dust.
 Production of Surfactant
o Type II alveolar cells produce surfactant, which
reduces surface tension and prevents alveolar
collapse.
 Metabolic Functions
o The lungs convert Angiotensin I Angiotensin
→
II by the enzyme ACE (Angiotensin-Converting
Enzyme).
 Heat and Water Loss
o Small amounts of heat and water are lost during
exhalation.
-: Common Disorders of the Respiratory System :-
1. Asthma
Chronic inflammatory disease of the airways.
Causes wheezing, cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
2. Pneumonia
Infection of the lung tissue (alveoli).
Common symptoms include fever, productive cough, chest pain, and difficulty in breathing.
3. Tuberculosis (TB)
Infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Mainly affects the lungs.
Symptoms include persistent cough, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.
4. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Progressive disease that limits airflow.
Commonly associated with smoking.
Includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
5. Lung Cancer
Uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs.
Major risk factors include smoking, air pollution, and occupational exposure.
6. Pneumothorax
Presence of air in the pleural cavity.
Causes partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Complete Respiratory System | GNM 1st Year