Provides the means for gas exchange required by living cells. Supplies oxygen and takes carbon dioxide away.
Functional division of the respiratory system which transports air. It includes the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and other smaller airways.
Functional division of the respiratory system where gas exchange with the blood occurs. It includes small airways called respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli.
Inhalation or Inspiration
Draws gasses into the lungs.
Exhalation or Expiration
Forces gasses out of the lungs.
Involves the exchange of gases between the atmosphere and the blood.
Involves the exchange of gases between the blood and the cells throughout the body.
Conditioning of Gases
As inhaled air passes though airways it is warmed, humidified, and cleaned by mucous which captures particles.
As air is forced out of the lungs and moves through the larynx it makes sound. The nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, teeth, lips and tongue, are some of the structures that help with sound.
Covers the superior region of the nasal cavity and contains chemoreceptors for the sense of smell.
Detect inhaled molecules that dissolve in the mucus overlying the olfactory epithelium.
Respiratory Protection against Airborne Infection
Entrance of the nose has hairs, twisted passages trap insects and microbes, and mucus destroys microbial walls and traps everything.
Clinical: Cystic Fibrosis
Clinical: Inherited disease which affects the chloride channels in the membrane. This causes unusual osmotic flow and increase in mucus production in the respiratory passageways and pancreas. This leads to problems breathing and increased chance of infection.
Clinical: Cystic Fibrosis
Clinical: The most common serious genetic disease in Caucasians. It is inherited and causes mucus build up in the respiratory system, salty skin, and back up of enzyme juices in the pancreas. Antibiotics and agents to break up mucus are usually needed. They are currently trying to transmit a good gene into the epithelial cell via a modified adenovirus.
Upper Respiratory Tract
Composed of nose and nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx(throat), and associated structures. They are all part of the conducting portion of the respiratory tract.
The main conducting airway for inhaled air.
Form the bridge of the nose.
Nostrils or External Nares
Openings on the inferior surface of the nose.
Connects to the nasopharynx via the internal nares. Helps sound resonant.
Roof of Nasal Cavity
Made up of the frontal bones, nasal bones, cribriform plate of the ethmoid and sphenoid bone.
Floor of the Nasal Cavity
Horizontal plate of the maxillae, and horizontal plate of the palatine bones.
Anterior portion of the nasal cavity near the nostrils. Contains vibrissae.
Coarse nose hairs in the vestibule.
The most superior portion of the nasal cavity when has numerous chemoreceptors for the sense of smell.
Divides the nasal cavity into left and right.
Anterior portion of nasal septum.
Perpendicular Plate of the Ethmoid
Contributes to the superior portion of the nasal septum.
Contributes to the posterior portion of the nasal septum.
Conchae or Tubinates
Help form the lateral walls of the nasal cavity. They also act to create turbulence in the nasal cavity so air can be humidified longer and so particles can be trapped.
Superior Nasal Conchae
Part of the ethmoid bone.
Middle Nasal Conchae
Part of the ethmoid bone.
Inferior Nasal Conchae
Independent facial bone. Note: the nasolacrimal ducts empty just inferior to this bone.
Four bones in the skull contain these paired air spaces which together decrease skull bone weight and help condition air. They are lined by ciliated epithelium with overlying mucus. They include the frontal sinus, ethmoidal sinus, sphenoidal sinus, and maxilary sinus.
Article: Antenna Pierces Brain
Article: The antenna went up his nose and through his sinus and hit his pituitary gland. He lost a pint of blood.
Article: Balloon Sinusplasty
Article: The procedure that lest doctors snake a balloon up the noses of chronic sinusitis sufferers, stretching their sinus passages to help them breathe easier.
Article: An inflammation or infection of the straw-sized passages that drain each of he sinuses that surround the nose and eyes. It can cause swelling and facial pain, debilitating headaches, and sometimes pus-like nasal congestion.
Article: Acute Sinusitis
Article: Triggered by colds or bad allergies, usuallly clears up within a month.
Article: Chronic Sinusitis
Article: Symptoms of sinusitis last longer than two months or regularly occur.
Article: Growths in the sinus passageways that the balloon can't get rid of.
Commonly called the throat. Its funnel shaped and is a common pathway for both inhaled and exhaled air and for ingested food. It is lined with mucosa and contains skeletal muscles used for swallowing.
The superiormost region of the pharynx. It is lined with ciliated epithelium and normally only air passes through it.
Uvula and Soft Palate
Responsible for preventing food from entering the nasal cavity though the nasopharynx.
Auditory or Eustachian Tubes
Tubes that connect the inner ear with the nasopharynx in order to equalize pressure in the ear.
Pharyngeal Tonsil or Adenoids
Single tonsil housed in the nasopharynx.
The middle pharyngeal region which is immediately posterior to the oral cavity. Bounded by the soft palate and the hyoid bone. It has no cilia and is tough to withstand swallowed food. Both air, food and drink pass though it.
Palatine tonsils and Lingual Tonsils
Two lymphatic tonsils in the oropharynx.
The inferior portion of the pharynx. It extends from the hyoid bone to the top of the esophagus. Contains strong epithelium with no cilia since it allows passage of both air and food. When things get lodged in the throat it is usually in the laryngopharynx.
Larynx or Voice Box
Bounded superiorly by the laryngopharynx and posteriorly by the esophagus and inferiorly by the trachea. The superior aspect of the larynx is lined with a stratified squamous epithelium and the portion below the vocal cords is lined with ciliated epithelium.
Functions of the Larynx
Prevents swallowed materials from entering the lower respiratory tract, conducts air into the lower respiratory tract, and produces sound.
The largest cartilage in the larynx which forms only the anterior and lateral walls of the larynx. Formed with hyalin cartilage.
Laryngeal Prominence or Adam's Apple
The V-shaped anterior projection of the thyroid caritlage.
Ring-shaped and forms the inferior base of the larynx and connects to the trachea. Composed of hyaline cartilage.
Dense connective tissue band which attaches the cricoid cartilage to the inferior edge of the thyroid cartialge. Its 4 fingers width from the sternal notch.
Emergency airway which is sometimes opened in the larynx by making an incision though the cricothyroid ligament. A vertical incision is followed by a horizontal incision to allow air into the respiratory tract. Tubes are then inserted.
Clinical: Done when the patient has upper airway obstruction, difficulty breathing(pneumonia, pmphysema, or chest wall injury) or respiratory paralysis. Performed by making an incision between the third and forth tracheal rings to allow the insertion of a trachotomy tube.
Clinical: Opening created by a tracheotomy.
Clinical: Tracheal Stenosis
Clinical: A narrowing of the trachea at the incision site due to scar tissue formation.
Clinical: Procedure performed by EMT's where an incision is make in the neck inferior to the thyroid cartilage and then another is made transversly through the cricothyroid ligament.
Clinical: Heimlich Maneuver
Clinical: Performed by creating pressure in the remaining air in the lungs by pushing in and upwards on the abdomen. It can also be performed on oneself. If not succesful a cricothyrotomy is necessary.
Clinical: Right Bronchus
Clinical: Most smaller aspirated foreign bodies end up here because of the straight shot down into the lower lobe of the right lung.
Clinical: Procedure where a bronchoscope (either flexible or rigid, preferable rigid) is used to find and remove the foreign body.
Large, spoon or leaf shaped elastic cartilage that covers the opening of the larynx. It attaches to the thyroid cartilage and moves down as the larynx moves up during swallowing. After swallowing it returns to its normal superior position.
Article: Tubes into Tubes
Article: Endotracheal tube into windpipe, laryngoscope=L-shaped, IV Catheter, IO line (interosseous line), Emergency IV in umbilical catheter.
L-shaped endoscope used for visualizing the larynx.
Vestibular Folds or False Vocal Cords
The superior ligaments along with the mucous membrane covering them. They have no function in sound production.
The superior ligaments and part of the vestibular folds.
Vocal Folds or True Vocal Cords
The inferior ligaments along with the mucous membrane covering them. They produce sound when air passes between them.
The inferior ligaments and part of the vocal folds.
The opening between the vocal folds. This opening widens if the vocal folds are abducted and becomes more narrower if the vocal folds are adducted.
Refers to the rima glottidis plus the vocal folds.
Range of Voices
Determined by the length of the vocal folds. Longer vocal folds equal lower range and shorter equals higher range.
Pitch of Voices
Determined by the amount of tension or tautness on the vocal folds by the intrinsic laryngeal muscles. Tighter equals higher sound and loose equals lower sound.
Loudness of Voices
Depends on the force of the air passing across the vocal folds. A lot of air forced throuth the rima glottidis produces a loud sound, a little equals a soft sound. Note: Whispering only uses the most posterior portion of the rima glottidis and the vocal cords do not vibrate. This is why a whisper is all the same pitch.
Cracking of the Voice
When a male goes through puberty, his laryngeal cartilages and vocal folds grow rapidly, producing this sound which eventually leads to a deeper voice at maturity.
Structures Involved in Speech
Pharynx, nasal and oral cavities, paranasal sinuses, lips, and tongue.
Clinical: Inflammation of the larynx that may extend to the surrounding structures. Viral or bacterial infection is the most common cause but can also be caused by overuse in yelling. In children the epiglottis can also become swollen and obstruct the airway making a medical emergency.
A flexible, slightly rigid tubular organ often referred to as the windpipe. It is lined with cilia which help move debris up to the larynx and pharynx to be swallowed or expelled.
15-20 C-shaped rings that keep the trachea open. The trachealis muscle covers the open part of the C.
The open end of each C-shaped piece are bound together by this muscle. During swallowing this muscle bulges into the trachea to allow for swallowing of large objects and it is contracted in coughing in order to increase pressure and help expel foreign objects.
Two smaller tubes which bifurcate from the trachea at the level of the sternal angle. They have incomplete rings of hyaline cartilage. Note: The left Bronchi is at a more acute angle to get over the heart and the right is straight down. As a result stuff tends to go into the right bronchi.
The most inferior tracheal cartilage separates the primary bronchi at their origin and forms an internal ridge.
A highly branched system of air-conducting passages that originate from the left and right primary bronchi and progressively branch into narrower tubes as they diverge throughout the lungs before ending int eh terminal bronchioles.
The medial surface of the lung.
Branch from the primary bronchi. The right lung has 3 for the 3 lobes and the left has 2 for the two lobes.
The secondary bronchi divide into these even smaller bronchi which in turn divide into even smaller bronchi. They have ciliated epithelium and have cartilage and smooth muscle.
No longer lined with cilia, don't contain cartilage. However, they contain muscle that helps regulate air flow. Where bronchoconstriction and broncodilation occur.
Smooth muscle contraction narrows bronchioles.
Smooth muscle relaxation dilates bronchioles.
The final segment of the conducting pathway. They conduct air into the respiratory portion of the respiratory system.
Clinical: Inflammation of the bronchi caused by viruses or bacteria, or by inhaling vaporized chemicals, matter, or cigarette smoke. Divided into acute and chronic.
Clinical: Acute Bronchitis
Clinical: Develops rapidly and only lasts for about 10-14 days.
Clinical: Chronic Bronchitis
Clinical: Results from long-term exposure to irritants. Defined by the large amounts of mucus and a cough to last up to 3 months. Permanent changes can occur such as thickening bronchial walls and narrowing o lumens, or overgrowth (hyperplasia) of the mucin cells of the bronchi, and accumulation of lymphocytes within the bronchial walls.
Branch from the termialbronchiles and continue to divide. Alveoli can come off of it.
Smallest airway before the alveolus.
Alveolus (plural alveoli)
Specialize to promote diffusion of oxygen from the alveoli into the pulmonary capullaries, and diffusion of carbon dioxide out of the pulmonary capillaries and into the alveoli.
Migratory cells that continually crawl within the alveoli, engulfing microorganisms or particulate material that has reached the alveoli.
Serous membrane on the outside of the lung. Made up of the visceral and parietal pleura which are continuous at the hilum of the lungs.
Pleura that tightly covers the outer surface of the lung.
Covers the internal thoracic walls, the lateral surfaces of the mediastinum, and the superior surface of the diaphragm.
The potential space between the two serous membranes. The pressure in this space is lower than that of the lungs which makes them stick together.
Clinical: A condition that occurs when free air gets into the pleural cavity, the space between the parietal and visceral pleura. Results from a penetrating injury or from a broken rib puncture.
Clinical: Treatment for Pneumothorax
Clinical: Insertion of a tube into the pleural space to suck out the free air. After the air has been removed, an airtight bandage is placed over the entry site to prevent air from reentering the pleural space.
Clinical: Tension Pneumothorax
Clinical: A hole in the chest or lung allows air to enter and acts as a one-way valve. As the patient struggles to breath, air is pulled in through the wound but can't escape. Can cause atelectasis of both lungs and death.
Clinical: Collapsed lung.
Clinical: Condition where blood fills the pleural cavity.
Clinical: An accumulation of serous fluid in the pleural cavity.
Clinical: Accumulation of pus, as occurs with pneumonia, in the pleural cavity.
Base of the Lung
Wide, concave portion that rests inferiorly upon the muscular diaphragm.
Apex of the Lung
Blunt superior region which projects superiorly to a point that is slightly superior and posterior to the clavicle.
Subdivisions of the Right Lung
Superior, middle, and inferior lobe.
Subdivisions of the Left Lung
Superior and inferior lobe.
The left and right lungs may be partitioned into these segments each with their own tertiary bronchus, surrounded by connective tissue, and each with ts own arterial and venous blood supply.
Clinical: An infection of teh alveoli of the lung. Commonly caused by bacteria and viruses. Results in tissue swelling and accumulated leukocytes in that area and decreased capacity to exchange gas. Contagious.
Clinical: Expelled with pheumonia. Consists of mucus and other matter, and is usually rust- or green-tinged.
Conducts blood to and from the gas exchange surfaces of the lungs to replenish its depleted oxygen levels and get rid of excess carbon dioxide.
A component of the systemic circulation and consists of tiny bronchial arteries and veins that supply the bronchi and bronchioles of the lung.
3 or 4 of them branch from the anterior wall of the decending thoracic aorta to supply the bronchial tree.
Collect venous blood from these same structures and drain them into the azygous system of veins.
Lymphatic Drainage of Lungs
The lymphatic drainage of the right lung drains into the right lymphatic duct, and the lymphatic drainage of the left lung drains into the thoracic duct.
Also known as breathing, it is the movement of air into and out of the respiratory system.
Clinical: A chronic condition characterized by episodes of bronchoconstriction and wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and excess pulmonary mucus. The person becomes hypersensitive to an airborne agent and upon exposure the bronchioles constrict. Treatment included inhaled steroids(cortisone-related compounds), bronchodilators, and other measures.
Autonomic Nervous System
Responsible for innervating the trachea, bronchial tree, and lungs.
Its main function is to open and dilate the bronchioles (bronchodilation).
Its main function is to decrease the airway diameter of the bronchioles (bronchoconstriction).
Regulates the rate and depth of breathing.
Can also influence the breathing rate.
Aging of the Respiratory System
There is a decrease in elastic connective tissue which results in a decrease in the ventilation rate.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Encompasses emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Characterized by lung structural abnormalities resulting from inflammation, the resulting airflow obstruction makes it hard for the patient to exhale.
Clinical: TYPE OF COPD! An irreversable loss of pulmonary gas exhange surface area due to inflammation of the terminal bronchioles and alveoli. There is a decrease in the number of alveoli which leads to greater spaces in the alveoli. A larger chest is characterized by this. No cure.
Clinical: Lung Cancer
Clinical: Originates in the epithelium, and if metastasis occurs it will most likely move to the brain. Pulmonary symptoms include chronic cough, coughing up blood, excess pulmonary mucus, and increased likelihood of pulmonary infections.
Clinical: Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Clinical: Cancer that changes the pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium lining in the lungs to a sturdier stratified squamous epithelium to withstand the chronic inflammation and injury caused by tobacco smoke. These then are genetically damaged and become malignant.
Clinical: Arises from the mucin-producing glands. DNA injury causes these cells to become malignant.
Clinical: Small-Cell Carcinoma
Clinical: Fastest to metastasis of the lung cancers. Originates in the primary bronchi and eventually invades the mediastinum.
Clinical: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Clinical: Also known as Crib Death, it is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant yougner than 1 year of age. Babies that sleep on their stomachs are more likely to die so "back to sleep" campaign has helped.
Article: Cystic Hygroma
Article: A tangled mass of lymph vessels mos often seen in young children. IT is not cancerous but the abnormal growth can encroach on otherwise normal organs. In a fetus, excess amniotic fluid can diagnose this condition.
Article: The process of inserting a tube down the trachea, usually using a laryngoscope. In the article the doctor looked for bubbles in order to know where to put the tube in between the growths.
Article: Bruit or Carotid Bruit
Article: A blockage in an artery can cause this noise made by turbulant flow.
Article: Arteriovenous Malformations or AVMs
Article: Complex tangles of abnormal arteries adn veins that can be located in almost any organ in the body, including the brain. Movement of blood through an AVM is rapid, turbulent, and high-volume.They also have a defective layer that makes them prone to stroke.