Module 5 - Start of Exam 2 Flashcards
Primary Functions of the Respiratory System
- Provides Oxygen for metabolism in the tissues
2. Removes CO2, the waste product of metabolism
Secondary Functions of the Respiratory System
- Facilitates Sense of Smell
- Produces Speech
- Maintains Acid Base Balance (via CO2)
- Maintains Body Water Levels
- Maintains Heat Balance
How does the respiratory system aid in speech?
Sinuses help in resonance of speaking
Where does the lower respiratory system start?
at the level of the trachea
Parts of the Upper Respiratory Tract
Nasal Cavity Sinuses Pharyngeal Tonsils Nasopharynx Pharynx Larynx Epiglottis Esophagus
Purpose of the Nose in the Respiratory Tract?
(Upper) Humidifies, warms, and filters inspired air
Purpose of the Sinuses in the Respiratory Tract?
(Upper) They are air filled cavities within hollow bone surrounding the nasal passages, and provide resonance during speech. They also help keep the head a lighter weight.
Purpose of the Pharynx in the Respiratory Tract?
(Upper) 3 part area behind the oral and nasal cavities that acts as a passageway for BOTH the respiratory and digestive tracts (The Throat)
3 Divisions of the Pharynx?
Nasopharynx
Oropharynx
Laryngopharynx
Purpose of the Larynx in the Respiratory Tract?
(Upper) “Voice Box” above the trachea and below the pharynx that has two pairs of vocal cords allowing for speech
Purpose of the Glottis in the Respiratory Tract?
(Upper) Opening for the vocal cords (Larynx) that also plays an important role in coughing
The most fundamental defense mechanism of the lungs?
Coughing
Purpose of the Epiglottis in the Respiratory Tract?
(Upper) Leaf shaped elastic structure on top of the larynx that covers the glottis. It prevents food from entering the tracheobronchial tree by sealing the glottis during swallowing (thus preventing aspiration pneumonia)
3 Important Sinuses?
Frontal
Ethmoid
Axillary
Parts of the Lower Respiratory Tract
Trachea
Bronchus/Bronchi
Bronchioles
Purpose/Description of the Trachea in the Respiratory Tract?
- (lower) located in front of the esophagus (digestive tract)
- branches into the right and left main stem bronchi at the Carina
- has cartilage bands to prevent collapse, unlike the esophagus
Why should you make sure a babies chin does not touch their chest?
Babies have softer tracheal cartilage rings so their trachea could collapse
Carina
- point at which the trachea divides into the two main stem bronchi
- it is a soft tissue area that can be injured during suctioning
Main Stem Bronchi (Bronchus)
- (lower) start at carina
- divide into 5 secondary (lobar) bronchi that enter each of the five lobes of the lung
- They are lined with cilia that propel mucus away from the lower airway to the trachea for swallowing or expectorating
Are the Bronchus similar sizes?
No, the main stem right bronchus is slightly wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left bronchus since the left has to go around the heart at a steeper angle
If an endotracheal tube slips, where is it likely to go ?
into the right lung
What happens in the Bronchus in smokers?
the cilia become paralyzed and do not move
Bronchioles
- branches from the 5 secondary (lobar) bronchi that subdivide into small terminal bronchioles which then branch into respiratory bronchioles
- respiratory bronchioles have NO cartilage (smooth muscle), and depend on elastic recoil of the lung for patency
Terminal Bronchioles contain no _____ and do not participate in ____ ____
cilia, gas exchange
Where does gas exchange occur?
Respiratory Bronchioles Level
Parts of the Alveoli Level?
Terminal bronchioles
Respiratory Bronchioles
Alveolus
Alveolar Capillary Network
Alveoli Ducts
- grape like network of ducts branching from the respiratory bronchioles
- the grape like sacs contain the alveoli clusters
- Cells in the duct walls secrete surfactant
Alveoli
- the basic units of gas exchange inside the ducts
- require surfactant to prevent collapse
- very thin to allow decreased gas exchange resistance
Surfactant
Phospholipid protein that is produced in the wall cells of the Alveoli ducts. It reduces surface tension in the alveoli and without it the alveoli would collapse (need alveoli open for gas exchange)
Who may have trouble making surfactant and need a chemical version administered?
Premature Infants
Alveoli are considered the ____ Tissue of the respiratory tract
Parenchymal (functional)
Acinus/Acini
term referring to all structures distal to the terminal bronchiole
When the diaphragm is in an upward arch shape it is…
relaxed
When the diaphragm is flat it is …
contracted
Lobe Differences of the Lungs?
Right: 3 Lobes that are larger than the Left
Left: Narrower and steeper angle to accommodate the heart
Lungs are covered in membranous coverings called ____
plurae
Where are the lungs found?
In the pleural cavity in the thorax extending from just above the clavicles to the diaphragm
Major muscle of inspiration?
The diaphragm
Innervation of Respiratory Structures is Done by What Nerves?
Phrenic Nerve Vagus Nerve (Parasympathetic - bronchoconstriction) Thoracic Nerve (Sympathetic - bronchodilation)
Linings in the body are called?
Plurae
Parietal Plurae
plurae lining the chest wall (thoracic cavity) and the upper surface of the diaphragm
seals everything up
Visceral Plurae
plurae lining the lungs/pulmonary surface
Between the Visceral and Parietal Plurae is…
Plural fluid
Pleurisy/Pleuritis
inflammation of the lung linings rubbing together that feels like the stab of a knife, and a rubbing sound can be auscultated
What does Pleural Fluid do?
Prevent Rubbing and Pain of the two plurae by allowing them to glide smoothly and painlessly during respiration
2 Systems allowing Blood Flow through the Lungs?
Pulmonary system
Bronchial System
Accessory Muscles of Respiration
Scalene Muscles (elevate the first two ribs) Sternocleidomastoid Muscles Trapezius and Pectoralis Muscles
Respiration
Inhalation + Expiration
Inhalation
- flattening of the diaphragm (contraction) leading to a negative pressure in the lungs
- The negative pressure draws air from the greater pressure atmosphere to the lesser pressure lungs
- air will pass through terminal bronchioles into alveoli to oxygenate body tissues
Exhalation
- elevation/relaxing of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles to original shape
- As lungs recoil, the pressure becomes greater than the atmosphere making air containing waste like CO2 and water to move from the alveoli to the atmosphere
Which respiratory process is active (needs ATP)?
Inhalation
Which respiratory process is passive?
Exhalation
Exception to Exhalation being Passive?
Patient with Emphysema
Bronchioles/Bronchi rely on what to open and work efficiently?
recoil of the lungs (opening and closing)
Risk Factors for Respiratory Disease?
Smoking Chewing Tobacco use Allergies Frequent Respiratory illness Chest Injury Surgery Exposure to Chemicals and Environmental pollutants Crowded Living conditions (fast mycoplasma pneumonia spread) Family History of infectious Disease Geographic Residence Travel to Foreign Countries
*these also are areas to prevent/alleviate
What might some respiratory illnesses effect that can be seen in a chest x ray?
It might flatten the diaphragm’s normal bowl shape which can be picked up on Xray
Tests to Check/Aid Respiratory Health
Chest X Ray Sputum Specimen Bronchoscopy Pulmonary Angiography Thoracentesis Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) Lung Biopsy Ventilation-Perfusion Lung Scan Bronchography Skin Tests Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs) Pulse Oximetry
Chest X-Ray (CXR)
Test providing information regarding anatomic location and appearance of lungs
What to do pre-procedure for a Chest X Ray?
- remove all jewelry and other metal objects from chest area
- assess ability to inhale and hold breath
- question possibility of pregnancy
What to do post-procedure for a Chest X Ray?
Assist client to dress (do not assume they can)
Sputum Specimen
Test where a specimen is obtained by expectoration (cascade coughing) or tracheal suctioning to assist in identification of organisms or abnormal cells in the respiratory system