Respiratory system

physiology
Presented by
Miss Sumera Jabeen
Nursing instructor
SFINHS
Introduction
• Human respiratory system is designed to facilitate the exchange of
gases between the body and the environment. This involves taking in
oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide, which is vital for cellular
respiration and energy production.
 Structure of the Respiratory System
• Upper Respiratory Tract:
• The respiratory tract in humans is made up of the following parts:
• External nostrils – For the intake of air.
• Nasal chamber – which is lined with hair and mucus to filter the air from dust
and dirt.
• Pharynx – It is a passage behind the nasal chamber and serves as the common
passageway for both air and food.
• Larynx – Known as the sound box as it houses the vocal chords, which
are paramount in the generation of sound.
• Epiglottis – It is a flap-like structure that covers the glottis and prevents the
entry of food into the windpipe.
Structure of the Respiratory System
• Lower Respiratory Tract
• Trachea – It is a long tube passing through the mid-thoracic cavity.
• Bronchi – The trachea divides into left and right bronchi.
• Bronchioles – Each bronchus is further divided into finer channels known as bronchioles.
• Alveoli – The bronchioles terminate in balloon-like structures known as the alveoli.
• Alveoli duct Alveolar ducts are the small passages connecting the respiratory bronchioles and the
alveolar sacs
• Alveoli sac The alveolar sac are the spaces into which the alveolar ducts open distally
• Lungs – Humans have a pair of lungs, which are sac-like structures and covered by a double-
layered membrane known as pleura.
The right lob has three lobes ( right upper lob, right middle lobe and right lower lobe)
The left lung has two lobes ( left upper lobe and left lower lobe).
Mechanics of Breathing
• Inspiration (Inhalation):
• Diaphragm and Intercostal Muscles: Contraction of the diaphragm (a dome-
shaped muscle) and the intercostal muscles (located between the ribs)
increases the volume of the thoracic cavity.
• Air Pressure Changes: The increased volume decreases the internal pressure
relative to the external environment, causing air to flow into the lungs.
• Expiration (Exhalation):
• Muscle Relaxation: Relaxation of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles
decreases the volume of the thoracic cavity.
• Air Pressure Changes: The decreased volume increases the internal pressure,
pushing air out of the lungs.
Regulation of Breathing
• Neural Control:
• Medulla Oblongata and Pons: Centers in the brainstem that control the rate
and depth of breathing.
• Chemoreceptors: Located in the medulla, carotid arteries, and aorta, these
receptors detect changes in blood pH, carbon dioxide, and oxygen levels and
send signals to the respiratory centers.
• Voluntary Control: The cerebral cortex can influence breathing during
activities such as speaking, singing, or holding one’s breath, though
this is typically overridden by automatic controls in response to
critical levels of blood gases.
 FUNCTIONS OF RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
1. Gas exchange
The primary function is take in oxygen and release of carbon di oxide.
In the Alveoli:
• Oxygen: Diffuses across the alveolar membrane into the blood in the surrounding capillaries.
• Carbon Dioxide: Diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled.
2. Olfaction
The sense of smell is detected by olfactory receptors in the upper part of the nasal
cavity.
3. Regulation of blood PH
The respiratory system helps maintain the body’s acid base balance by regulating
the amount of carbon di oxide in the blood.
FUNCTIONS OF RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
4. Voice production
The larynx vibrates to produce sound, allowing us to speak.
5. Temperature regulation
6. Protection
Respiratory tract blocks the entry of dust particles that can damage the
system due to the presence of ciliated epithelial cells and removes it
through sneezing.
 Respiratory Volumes and Capacities
• Tidal Volume (TV): The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during a normal breath. ( 500
ml in adult man )
• Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV): The additional volume of air that can be inhaled
after a normal inhalation. (3000 ml in adult man)
• Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV): The additional volume of air that can be exhaled
after a normal exhalation.( 1.5 L in adult man )
• Residual Volume (RV): The volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal
exhalation. In other words it is the volume that can not be expelled from lugs, thus
causing the alveoli to remain open at all time). It about 1200 ml in adult.
• Vital Capacity (VC): The total amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximal
inhalation . It is about 4800 ml in adult but varies according to age and body size. (TV +
IRV + ERV).
• Total Lung Capacity (TLC): The total volume of the lungs (VC + RV).( 6L in adult)
Respiratory Pathologies
• Asthma: Characterized by chronic inflammation and narrowing of the
airways.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Includes chronic
bronchitis and emphysema, leading to obstructed airflow and
breathing difficulties.
• Pneumonia: Infection causing inflammation and fluid accumulation in
the alveoli.
• Pulmonary Fibrosis: Scarring of lung tissue, leading to stiffness and
breathing difficulties.