RESPIRATORY SYSTEM THE ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

The respiratory system provides a pathway for the transport and exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The upper airway comprises the nose, pharynx, larynx, and epiglottis.

 Its Main function is to warm, filter, and humidify inspired air. The lower airway, known as the tracheobronchial tree, includes the trachea, right and left main- stem bronchus, segmental bronchi, and terminal bronchioles.

 The major functions are conduction of air, mucociliary clearance, and production of pulmonary surfactant. Cilia microscopic hairlike projections, propel sheets of mucus toward the upper airway so the mucus can be removed (by cough) after it has trapped cells, particles, and infectious debris.

 Fluid is necessary for the production of watery mucus normally present in the respiratory tract and for ciliary action. This covering of mucus also protects the underlying tissues from irritation and infection.

 A few milliliters of fluid between the pleural surfaces allow the lungs to move easily along the chest wall as they expand and contract. In its absence, filling and emptying of the lungs are

difficult. Surfactant is a detergent- like phospholipid, reduces surface tension of the fluid lining the alveoli. When surfactant production is reduced, the lung becomes stiff and the alveoli collapse.

The main organs of respiration, the lungs, are located within the thoracic cavity. The right lung has three lobes, and the left has two lobes. Each lobe is further divided subdivided into segments or lobules.

 The right lung has ten bronchopulmonary segments, the left has eight. The lungs extend from the base at the level of the diaphragm to the apex, which is above the first rib. The heart lies between the right and left lung.

 The lungs comprise elastic tissue that is capable of stretching or recoiling. Normally, the elastic fibres are partially stretched at all times, partially filling the thoracic cavity. The actual lung is composed of alveoli, small

 air sacs at the end of the terminal bronchioles. These are the site of gas exchange. The pleura are two layered membranes: the visceral pleura covers the lungs, and the parietal pleura lines the thoracic cavity.

These two are continuous with one another and formed a close sac. There is normally a potential space between them, not an actual space. Pleural fluid between the membranes acts

as a lubricant and as an adhesive agent to hold the lungs in an expanded position. Pressure within the pleural space (intrapleural pressure) is always negative.

 This constant intrapleural negative pressure is essential for normal ventilation.

Function of Respiratory System The respiratory system functions as an air distributor and as a gas exchanger so that oxygen may be supplied to and carbon dioxide be removed from the body`s cells. Air first must first exchange gases with blood. Blood must circulate,

and, finally, blood and cells must exchange gases. These events require the functioning of two systems, namely, the respiratory system and the circulatory system.

All parts of the respiratory system except its microscopic sized sacs called alveoli and the tiny passageways that open into them serve as gas exchangers.

Gaseous exchange mechanism

Occurs at the terminal alveolar capillary system through the process of diffusion. Diffusion refers to the movement of the oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air in the alveoli and the blood in the capillaries.

 The appropriate gas moves passively from an area of higher concentration to an area of lesser concentration. Diffusion of gases in the lung is influenced by four factors.

 Any change in the surface area The partial pressure of alveolar gas Solubility and molecular weight of the gas.

 Thickness of the alveolar capillary membrane