ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

ORGAN 1. Nasal Cavity

STRUCTURE - extends from the nares to the openings into the pharynx - located between the roof of the mouth and the frontal, ethmoid and sphenoid bones

2. Pharynx

- inferiorly connected to the respiratory system at the larynx

FUNCTION - serves as an entry passage of air - traps the debris from the air (filtering) - humidifies air by moisture from the mucous epithelium - warms air by blood flowing through the superficial capillary networks underlying the mucous epithelium (heating) - receives air from nasal cavity and receives air, food and drink from the oral cavity

a. Nasopharynx

- located behind the nose and above the soft palate - contains auditory tube and pharyngeal tonsils - located behind the mouth and below the nasopharynx - extends from the soft palate to the base of the tongue - located behind the larynx and extends from the base of tongue to the esophagus - located above the trachea, just below the throat at the base of the tongue to the esophagus - composed of several cartilages, vocal cords, glottis and epiglottis - extends from the larynx to the main bronchi - each extends to a lung - walls contain cartilaginous rings & covered with ciliated mucous lining - cone-shaped with its base resting on the diaphragm and its apex extending superiorly to a point about 2.5 cm above the clavicle - divide into smaller and respiratory bronchioles - has no cartilage

b. Oropharynx

- air passes through this to equalize air pressure between the atmosphere and the middle ears - helps defend the body against infection - used for breathing and swallowing

c. Laryngopharynx

- critical dividing point where solid foods and fluids are separated from air - regulates the passage of air into and out of the lower respiratory tract - primary source of sound production - prevents food from entering the trachea (aspiration) by closing over the glottis during swallowing - production of mucus which traps inhaled foreign particles - passageway of air from the trachea to the lungs

3. Larynx

4. Trachea

5. Main Bronchi

6. Lungs

a. Bronchioles

b. Alveoli

- branch from

- principal organs of respiration - inflate with inspiration & deflate (but do not completely collapse) with expiration - communicate directly with clusters of alveoli - dependent on elastic recoil of the lung to remain open - do not participate in gas exchange - gas exchange between air

respiratory bronchioles & resemble a bunch of grapes - two types of cells form the alveolar wall: a. Type I Pneumocytes -- thin, squamous epithelial cells that form 90% of the alveolar surface b. Type II Pneumocytes -- round or cubeshaped secretory cells

and blood takes place

- most gas exchange between alveolar air and blood takes place

- produces surfactant which makes it easier for the alveoli to expand during inspiration