Respiratory System Flashcards
Purpose of the respiratory system
Critical because we need oxygen to survive
We need to excrete carbon dioxide
Function of the respiratory system
Help you breathe, and for oxygen intake
Organs
Mouth and nose
Nasal cavity
Pharynx
Trachea
Larynx (voice box)
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Alveoli
Lungs
EXTRA: diaphragm
Mouth and nose
Allows a place for air to enter the body
Nose primary purpose: air to enter the body
Mouth secondary purpose: chewing and allowing food to enter the body
Nasal cavity
If air passes through the nose it then enters the nasal cavity
Humidifies and warms air entering the body
W/O the basal cavity we are at the risk of illnesses that are causes by creating in cold and dry air (ie. bronchitis and pneumonia)
Pharynx
Empty opening the the neck, behind the nose
Stops at the top of the trachea and esophagus
Carries air, food, and fluid from the nose and mouth to the trachea (so it can enter the designated spot of lungs, stomach, and intestines)
Larynx
Organs in the neck used for speaking and breathing
Used when swallowing, talking, and breathing. Made up of muscles and cartilage, held together by elastic tissue
3 main functions of the larynx
- Control airflow during breathing
- Protecting airway during digestion of food
- Producing sound
What is in the larynx
Epiglottis
Laryngeal prominence (adams apple)
Vocal cords
Prevents chocking by opening and closing
Blocks the larynx when food is digested to re route it to the esophagus
EPIGLOTTIS
Supportive protective structure
LARYNGEAL PROMINENCE (ADAMS APPLE)
2 small bands made of muscle and tissue that vibrate to create sound
VOCAL CORDS
At the larynx the aerodigestive splits in the breathing path (where inhaled air goes through trachea/windpipe into lungs. Other path is where swallowed food is lubricated enough to go down esophagus into stomach
(True or false)
True
Bronchioles
Small airways
Shuttle air to and from the lungs
Made up of smooth muscle
Lead to smaller bronchioles which contain branches of alveolar ducts, sacs, and terminal alveoli
Here oxygen and air cells go into the blood (when carbon dioxide is exhaled the opposite happens$
Bronchi
Large airways
Made up of cartilage and tissue
Shuttle air to and from the lungs
No gas exchange
Alveoli (air sac)
Allows oxygen to be transferred into the blood
Most important job in the lungs
Veins connected to the alveoli bring blood filled with CO2 and as the veins pass the alveoli the veins give the CO2 and take the oxygen onto the blood from the alveoli
Lungs
Soft elastic tissue
Right lung is larger than left because of heart and liver placement
How many lobes does the right and left lung have
RIGHT 3
LEFT 2
Diaphragm
Dome shaped
Major muscle used when breathing
Located under the lungs and continuously contracts
Inhale=flatten ( so chest cavity can open and enlarge for air flow
Exhale=puffs out so CO2 is released
Helps organs absorb CO2
AIDS I’m CO2 excretion
EXTRA ribs
Long curved bone that makes up rib cage that surrounds the lungs
Critical role in breathing limits lung expansion and supports lungs when we exhale
They hold the compression of our lungs when we breathe and balance the pressure across our chests. The rib cage is the attachment for our respiratory muscles and serve as a protective shield
Illnesses and diseases
Asthma
Bronchitis
Emphysema
Asthma (What is it?)
Long term condition that effects airways
Makes airways in lungs inflamed and narrow at times
Asthma symptoms
Cheat tightness
Coughing
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Asthma causes
Unknown, but the following could have an effect
Air pollution
Chlorine in pools
Modern hygiene standards
Asthma vulnerable groups
Children exposed to smoke
Being born premature
needing a ventilator when born
Asthma treatment
Reliever inhaler BLUE
relaxes muscles surrounding narrow airways quickly relieving asthma symptoms (short term)
Preventer inhaler ORANGE OR BROWN
reduces inflammation and sensitivity in airways and reduces the chance of asthma attacks (long term)
Bronchitis (what is it?)
Infection in bronchi (main airways in lungs) lungs become irritated and inflamed
Bronchitis symptoms
Sore throat and chest
Potential headaches
Bronchitis causes
Usually caused by RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) contained by the droplets released when sneezing and coughing
Bronchitis vulnerable groups
All ages mainly KIDS UNDER 5
who live in cold places, or during the winter months
Bronchitis treatment
No cute but the following can help
Healthy lifestyles
No smoking
Can be treated at home
Emphysema (what is it?)
Lung condition that causes shortness of breath
Inner walls of the lungs air sacs (alveoli) are damaged causing rupture
Emphysema symptoms
Shortness of breath
Emphysema causes
Exposer to
Marijuana smoke
Tobacco smoke
Air pollution
Chemical fumes
Dust
Emphysema vulnerable groups
Smokers or previous smokers
40-60 year olds
Living in a polluted area because of second hand smoke
Exposed to second hand smoke
Emphysema treatment
No cure but the following can help
Bronchodilator - drug that helps relieve symptoms and relax airways
Corticosteroids - drug that reduces inflammation and makes it easier to breath
Is it healthier to breathe through your nose
Yes because the nose warms the air entering your body
Flow of air
Mouth and nose
Goes into trachea/windpipe
Divides into two bronchi (bronchial tubes)
Further divided into bronchioles and alveoli
