The Respiratory System

Question 1

Functions of the respiratory system

Answer 1

Enables breathing

Consists of lungs and air passages

Located within the chest cavity, protected by the ribs

Diaphragm separates lungs from abdominal cavity

Each breath cycle, gas exchange occurs oxygen is taken in and carbon dioxide is let out

Question 2

Nose

Answer 2

Air is inhaled through the nose, where the air is moisted and warmed

Small hairs filter out impurities

Question 3

Paranasal sinuses

Answer 3

Air filled extensions of the nasal cavity. There are four sets of sinuses located beside the nose and in the forehead

Question 4

Pharynx, larynx, trachea

Answer 4

The air proceeds down through the pharynx, larynx and into the trachea (windpipe)

The trachea consists of 16 to 20 rings of cartilage stacked on top of each other
They form a semi rigid support that keeps the airway open

At about the level of the 5th thoracic vertebra, the trachea divides and becomes the bronchial tract

Question 5

Bronchial tract

Answer 5

Enter each lung

Question 6

Lungs

Answer 6

Located in the thoracic cavity (chest) and rest on the diaphragm

Each lung is a separate organ which is surrounded by the PLEURA - a membrane that protects each lung

Question 7

Bronchi

Answer 7

Inside each lung the bronchial tracts branch into smaller secondary bronchi, which then branch into smaller and smaller bronchioles

Question 8

Alveoli

Answer 8

Eventually the bronchioles branch into alveoli which are the air sacs in the lungs

They have very thin walls that contain a lot of elastic tissue

alveoli stretch as they fill with air like little balloons

The alveoli are surrounded by a network of capillaries which bring deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs

Oxygen is transferred from the alveoli to the capillaries, which then take the oxygenated blood to the heart to be pumped to all cells of the body

Question 9

Diaphragm

Answer 9

The diaphragm is the main muscle of inhalation

When it contracts it descends and enlarges the thoracic cavity

The external intercostal muscles also assist by lifting the ribs

Air pressure in the lungs drops, air is drawn in, and normal breathing occurs

Other accessory muscles that help with breathing include:

Intercostal, scalene, abdominal, pectoralis minor, sternocleidomastoid

Question 10

Breathing

Answer 10

A process of the autonomic nervous system, which can be controlled by conscious effort

During deep, forceful exhalation secondary muscles of the respiration will also be used

Question 11

Dyspnea

Answer 11

Described as breathlessness and shortness of breath

Sensation of difficulty in breathing which may be caused by respiratory diseases

Question 12

Common cold

Answer 12

A viral infection of the upper respiratory tract

occurs more frequently than other respiratory tract infections

Accompanied by excessive production of nasal secretions, headaches and fatigue

Question 13

Influenza (flu)

Answer 13

A viral infection that can affect the upper and lower respiratory tracts

Can cause symptoms that affect the nose, throat or lungs

Abrupt onset of fever and chills, fatigue, muscle aching, headache, nasal discharge, cough and sore throat

Flu virus is spread by large droplet spray (someone sneezing or coughing) or by hands

Question 14

Pneumonia

Answer 14

Inflammation of the bronchioles or alveoli of the lungs

Caused by infection from bacteria and viruses, or by gastric secretions that are aspirated into the lungs

Pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics but can be fatal to elderly or people with compromised immune systems

Question 15

Tuberculosis

Answer 15

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease which is spread by inhaling bacteria circulating the air

The disease is treated with multi antibacterial medications
(Some types may be resistant)

Usually no symptoms in early stages, the disease is diagnosed by a positive tuberculin skin test

Worlds foremost cause of death from infection

In later stages symptoms are low-grade fever, shortness of breath, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss and cough

Question 16

Asthma

Answer 16

Very common chronic obstructive airway disease

Asthma attacks can be triggered by allergens, respiratory tract infections, cold air, exercise, drugs and chemicals, hormonal changes, emotional upsets, airborne pollutants etc.

Person with asthma exhibit wide range of signs and symptoms from episode of wheezing and feelings of chest tightness to acute immobilizing attack

Asthma is often worse at night and maybe worse anytime the person is laying down

During an asthma attack, the airway is narrow because of the spasms of the bronchial tubes, edema (swelling) of the bronchial mucosa, and mucus plugging

Air becomes trapped behind the narrowed airways and the person has difficulty breathing out

The service provider should hand the person their medication which is usually an inhaler or puffer and allow them to administer it themselves - Service should be discontinued if severe symptoms are obvious and breathing does not improve have the client taken to the hospital immediately



Question 17

Bronchitis

Answer 17

Airway obstruction is caused by inflammation of the major and small airways

There is a edema (swelling) and excess production of mucus into the bronchial passages

History of a chronic cough for more than three months is necessary for a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis

Mostly seen in people who are smokers and who have recurrent infections

Question 18

Emphysema

Answer 18

Characterized by loss of elasticity of the lungs, and destruction of the alveolar walls and Capillary beds

There is extreme shortness of breath in use of accessory muscles to breathe

It’s eventually results in a barrel chest

Caused by years of smoking, inhaling pollutants, or hereditary factors

Weight loss occurs due to difficulty eating