MT M 5.4 Respiratory System introduction Flashcards
respiratory system
The respiratory system is responsible for supplying oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide from the body.
respiration
The respiratory system is responsible for supplying oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide from the body. This process is called respiration.
The combining form respirat/o means breathing.
respiratory system main organs
The main organs of the respiratory system are the pharynx, nose, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.
pulmonology
The study of the respiratory system is called pulmonology
pulmonologist
A pulmonologist is a physician that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary disorders.
nose
The nose is the entry point for air to enter the respiratory system. The nose serves as an air passageway and warms and moistens the air.
conchae
nose
Inside the nose, there are two cavities divided by a central septum. These cavities have three conchae, which are shell-like passageways that are covered with a membrane called the mucous membrane. This membrane produces mucus, which traps bacteria, dust, pollen, and other foreign bodies to prevent them from entering the body. The nasal mucosa also contains nerve receptors for smell.
pharynx
The pharynx is a tube that starts at the posterior section of the nose and extends to the esophagus. It has three parts, the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, and the laryngopharynx.
nasopharynx
pharynx
The nasopharynx is behind the nose
oropharynx
pharynx
the oropharynx is behind the mouth,
laryngopharynx
pharynx
the laryngopharynx is behind the larynx.
tonsils
pharynx are several accessory organs
Within the pharynx are several accessory organs of the lymphatic system called tonsils.
The tonsils are responsible for filtering out bacteria and other substances from the lymph fluid located in the head and the neck.
adenoids
pharynx are several accessory organs
The adenoids are in the nasopharynx;
palatine and lingual
pharynx are several accessory organs
the palatine and lingual tonsils are in the oropharynx
larynx
The larynx is inferior to the pharynx. It contains the entrances to the trachea and the esophagus.
vocal folds or cords
The larynx is also called the voice box because it contains the vocal folds or cords. The vocal cords are folds of tissue located at the top of the trachea. As the air passes through the vocal cords, they vibrate and produce speech.
epiglottis
The epiglottis is in the larynx, and this is a piece of tissue called cartilage. It folds back to cover the entrance to the trachea so that food does not enter the lungs when an individual is swallowing.
trachea
The trachea is also called the windpipe, and it functions to carry the air to and from the lungs. The trachea starts in the larynx and extends to the bronchi. It is partially made of cartilage so that it is always held open for breathing. The mucous membranes that cover the surface of the trachea contain cilia, which is specialized tissue that can sweep foreign substances up and out of the trachea.
bronchi
trachea divides into
The trachea divides into the right and left bronchi. (Note the singular form of this term is bronchus.) These provide passage for the air to the right and left lungs. Each bronchus divides into smaller and smaller branches: the bronchioles and then the alveolar ducts.
bronchi end at
The bronchi end at the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs that are surrounded by capillaries. This is the site of gas exchange in the lungs.
lungs
The body contains two lungs within the thoracic cavity. The lungs are the organs of respiration.
The tissue of the lungs is filled with blood vessels that carry blood and the bronchial trees that carry the air.
pleura
lungs
They are covered by the pleura, a membrane with several layers that function to decrease friction around the lungs.
lobes
lungs
The lungs are divided into lobes. The right lung has three lobes, and the left lung has two lobes.
apex
Lungs
The superior portion of the lungs is called the apex,
base
Lungs
The inferior part of the lungs is called the base.
Respiration
Lungs
Respiration, or the act of breathing, is controlled by nerve impulses from the medulla oblongata and the pons in the brainstem.
diaphragm
Respiration
The diaphragm is a muscle at the base of the lungs that helps draw the air into the lungs and pushes the air out of the lungs. When the diaphragm contracts and flattens, air is pulled into the lungs.
inspiration
Respiration
When the diaphragm contracts and flattens, air is pulled into the lungs. This is inspiration.
expiration
Respiration
When the diaphragm relaxes, it rises, and air is pushed out of the lungs. This is expiration
respiratory rate
Respiration
The respiratory rate is the number of breaths an individual takes every minute. The normal range for a person’s respiratory rate varies by age. Comparing a patient’s respiratory rate to the normal range is helpful in the assessment of a patient, and a deviation from the normal rate may indicate an illness.
1. Newborn 30-60 Breaths per minute
2. 1-3 years old 20-40 Breaths per minute
3. 3-6 years old 22-34 Breaths per minute
4. 6-12 years old 18-30 Breaths per minute
5. 13-18 years old 12-16 Breaths per minute
6. Adult 16-20 Breaths per minute
