Structure of the Respiratory system Flashcards
Function of the respiratory system
Exchange of gases between the atmosphere and the blood
What are the two main parts of the Respiratory system?
Upper respiratory system
Lower respiratory system
Upper Respiratory system- Function
- Collects air
- Filters contaminants from the air
- Delivers it to the lower respiratory organs
Components of the upper respiratory system
- Nose-external portion
- Nasal cavity- ciliated mucous membrane, filter microbes
- Pharynx- ciliated mucous membrane
- Tonsils-aggregations of lymphoid tissue
Components of the lower respiratory system
- Larynx-vocal cords
- Trachea
- Bronchi
- Bronchioles-series of tubes
- Alveoli-small air sacs
- Diaphragm-muscle involved in breathing
Protective components of the lower respiratory
- Ciliated mucous membrane
- Alveolar macrophages
- Secretory antibodies
Normal Microbiota of the Respiratory System- Lower
-Typically microorganisms are not present
Normal Microbiota of the Respiratory System- Upper
- Normal microbiota:
- Remove nutrients
- Produce substances
- Limit growth of pathogenic organisms
- Some are opportunistic pathogens
Examples of normal microbiota
- Haemophilus influenzae- nose
- Staphylococcus aureus- normal microbiota
- Diphtheroids- nose and nasal cavity
Bacterial Diseases of the Upper Respiratory System
- Bacteria can infect the upper respiratory system
- Cause soar throat
Examples of bacterial upper respiratory infections
- Streptococcal respiratory diseases
- Diphtheria
Bacterial Diseases of the Lower Respiratory System
- Lower respiratory organs=axenic
- Life-threatening illness can result
Examples of bacterial infections of the lower respiratory system
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Tuberculosis
Fungal Infections of the Lower Respiratory System
Pneumocystis pneumonia is a common fungal pneumonia of AIDS patients
