THE HUMAN RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

LET'S IMAGINE

Imagine you're a tiny oxygen molecule taking a thrilling journey through

the human body Where would you start, and how would you navigate
your way to the ultimate destination-the alveoli?

PRESENTATION OBJECTIVES

Identify the structures and components that composes the respiratory

system.

Know how the oxugen enters the body, travels through the respiratory
system, and reaches the alveoli for gas exchange.

Describe the process of gas exchange: the movement of oxygen and

carbon dioxide between the alveoli and the bloodstream.

LET'S DISCUSS RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

The respiratory system consists of the structures used to acquire

oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the blood. Oxygen is required
for the body's cells to synthesize the chemical energy molecule,
adenosine triphosphate (ATP), Carbon dioxide on the other hand is a
by-product of ATP production and must be removed from the blood.

Otherwise, increased levels of CO2 or carbon dioxide will lower the pH

of the blood. The blood pH must be maintained within relatively narrow
limits to maintain homeostasis

(Sheeleys Anatomy and Physiology book, page 447)

ANATOMY OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

STRUCTURES THAT MAKE UP THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

RESPIRATORY ORGANS

EXTERNAL NOSE AND NASAL CAVITY

The external nose serves as the primary entry point for air. Inside the
nose, we find the nasal cavity, which filters incoming air, removing dust
and particles; warms and humidifies the air before it reaches the lungs;
and contains olfactory receptors for our sense of smell.

RESPIRATORY ORGANS

MOUTH AND ORAL CAVITY

The oral cavity plays a minor role in respiration but is essential for
speech and swallowing.

If the nasal passages are blocked, breathing through the mouth

becomes essential.

Although the mouth can serve as an alternate entry point for air,
Mouth is part of the digestive system rather than the respiratory
system.

RESPIRATORY ORGANS

PHARYNX (THROAT)

The pharynx connects the nasal cavity and mouth to the trachea. It
serves as a common pathway for both air and food.

The epiglottis, a flap-like structure in the pharynx, prevents food from

entering the trachea during swallowing.
RESPIRATORY ORGANS

LARYNX (VOICE BOX)

The larynx is a tough, flexible segment of the respiratory tract that

connects the pharynx (the back of the nose and throat) to the trachea
(windpipe).

It allows air to pass through it while preventing food and drink from
blocking the airway.

RESPIRATORY ORGANS

TRACHEA (WINDPIPE)

The trachea is a wide, hollow tube that connects the larynx to the
bronchi (airways) of the lungs.

Its primary function is to enable airflow to and from the lungs. This
preparation ensures that the air entering the lungs is at an optimal
temperature and humidity level for efficient gas exchange.

RESPIRATORY ORGANS

BRONCHI

The bronchi are the main airways into the lungs. When you breathe, air
enters your body through your mouth or nose and passes through the
larynx and trachea. The trachea branches into a bronchus in each lung.

The bronchi are equipped with tiny, hair-like structures called cilia. Cilia
help move mucus out of your lungs, keeping the bronchi clean and
healthy

RESPIRATORY ORGANS
LUNGS

Each lung is a labyrinth of air tubes and a complex network of air sacs,
called alveoli, and capillaries. The air sacs are separated by walls of
connective tissue containing both collagenous and elastic fibers. Each
air sac is the site of gas exchange between the air and the blood.

RESPIRATORY ORGANS

BRONCHIOLES

Bronchioles are small, branching air passages inside the lungs. They
serve as conduits for air, connecting the larger bronchi to the alveoli

Alveoli are where gas exchange occurs: oxygen enters the bloodstream,
and carbon dioxide is removed during exhalation. Bronchioles deliver
air to a diffuse network of approximately 300 million alveoli

RESPIRATORY ORGANS

ALVIOLI

Alveoli are tiny, air sacs located at the end of the bronchioles. These
structures play a crucial role in gas exchange during breathing.

In the alveolus, oxygen molecules move through a single layer of lung

cells, entering the bloodstream. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide (CO₂)
molecules pass from the bloodstream into the alveolus.

FUNCTIONS OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Respiration -also known as breathing, with two broad aspects which

includes:

ventilation
respiration

Ventilation - which is simply movement of air into and out of the lungs.

Respiration - is the diffusion of gasses across cell membranes.

Respiration

There are two major types of respiration within the body:

external respiration

internal respiration

External respiration - which is the movement of gases between

atmospheric air in the lungs and the blood.

Internal respiration - the movement of gases between the blood and

the body's cell.

Commonly the respiratory tract is separated into two regions:

⚫upper respiratory tract

⚫lower respiratory tract

Upper respiratory tract-whuch includes the structures from the nose to

the larynx

Lower respiratory tract-which includes the structures from trachea

through the aveoli in the lungs

Conductiong zone-encompasses the structures from the nose to the

smallest air tubes within the lungs and is strictly for ventilation.

Respiratory zone- is solely within the lungs and includes some

specialized small air tubes and the aveoli
Four simultaneous process:

Ventilation-this is what we more commonly refer to as breathing. Air

moves into and out of respiratory passage

External respiration-the terminal portion of the air tubes, are tiny air
sacs called alveoli. Oxygen moves out of the alveolar air and into the
blood.

Gas transport-Carbon dioxide and Oxygen travel in the blood to from

cells.

Internal respiration-Gas exchange with the tissues involves the exit of

oxygen from the blood into cells, while Carbon dioxide exits cells to
enter the blood.

The respiratory system performs the following functions:

Regulation of blood ph-the respiratory system can alter blood pH by

changing blood carbon dioxide levels.

Production of chemical mediators-the lungs produce enzyme called

angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is important component of
blood pressure regulation

Voice

production-Air moving past the vocals fold makes sound and speech
possible

Olfaction-the sensation of smell occurs when airborne molecules are

drawn into nasal cavity
Protection- the respiratory system provides protection against some
microorganisms by preventing them from entering the body and
removing them from respiratory surfaces

OXYGEN TRAVEL

This flowchart simplifies a complex process that captures the essential

steps involved in oxygen transport and gas exchange within the
respiratory system

Air enters through the nose or mouth. It passes through the pharynx
and larynx. The trachea carries air down into the bronch

The diaphragm relaxes, pushing air out of the lungs. Air exits through
the trachea, larynx, and either the nose or mouth.

The bronchi divide into smaller bronchioles. These bronchioles lead to

clusters of alveoli in the lungs.

In the alveoli, oxygen diffuses into the bloodstream. Carbon dioxide

diffuses out of the bloodstream into the alveol.

LET'S DISCUSS

BEHAVIOR OF GASES

• Dalton's Law and Boyle's Law explain gas pressures and lung volume
changes during inhalation and exhalation. Ventilation involves
diaphragm movement, while lung compliance and airway resistance
influence airflow. CO2 levels primarily regulate breathing rates,
highlighting the importance of these principles for respiratory function
and homeostasis.
Simultaneously, carbon dioxide (produced by cellular metabolism)
diffuses from the blood into the alveoli.

During internal respiration, oxygen is delivered to body tissues, and

carbon dioxide is removed from the tissues and transported back to the
lungs for exhalation.

During external respiration, oxygen-rich air enters the alveoli during

inhalation.

Oxygen molecules diffuse across the thin alveolar walls into the
bloodstream, where they bind to hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Structure and Histology of the Respiratory Tract

RESPIRATORY MEMBRANE

The respiratory membrane is the thin barrier between the air in the
alveoli and the blood in the capillaries. It is made up of:

1. The alveolar epithelium (a single layer of squamous cells),

2. The basement membrane of the alveolar epithelium,

3. The capillary endothelium (another single layer of

The Thoracic wall in respiration

The thoracic wall plays a vital role in respiration by providing protection

for the lungs and facilitating the mechanics of breathing. It consists of
the ribs, intercostal muscles, and diaphragm.

The Role of The Thoracic wall in respiration

• Protection of Respiratory

• Regulating pressure

LUNGS

The lungs are spongy organs located in the thoracic cavity, one on each
side of the heart. The right lung has three lob while the left lung has
two lobes to accommodate the heart

PLEURA

The pleura is a double-layered membrane that covers the lungs. The

visceral pleura adheres directly to the lungs, while the parietal pleura
lines the inner surface of the thoracic cavity.

PHYSIOLOGY OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

MECHANICS

1. BREATHING: "THE MACHANICS OF AIRFLOW

Breathing, the foundation of respiratory involves two distinct phase:

1.) INHALATION(Inspiration): An active process where the diaphragm

and intercostal muscle contract to expand the thoracic cavity, creating
a negative pressure that allows air to flow into the lungs.

2.) EXHALATION(Expiration): Typically a passive process where the

diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, causing the chest cavity to
recoil to its original size, increasing pressure within the lungs and
forcing air out.

2. GAS EXCHANGE: THE HEART OF RESPIRATION™

The respiratory system's primary function is gas exchange, where
oxygen is transferred from inhaled air into the bloodstream while
carbon dioxide is removed from the blood. This exchange takes place in
the alveoli, tiny air sacs in the lungs.

Oxygen Uptake: In the alveoli, oxygen from inhaled air diffuses through
thin walls into surrounding capillaries. These capillaries efficiently
transport oxygen-bound red blood cells throughout the body to supply
oxygen to cells for energy production.

Carbon Dioxide Release: At the same time, carbon dioxide, a byproduct

of cellular metabolism, diffuses from capillary blood into the alveoli and
is exhaled out of the body.

3. REGULATION OF AIRFLOW: "KEEPING IT BALANCED

The regulation of airflow in the respiratory system is maintained

through a sophisticated interplay of neural and chemical mechanisms:

- Neural Control: The brainstem governs the rhythm and intensity of

breathing. It receives input from chemoreceptors that monitor blood
oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. When oxygen levels drop or carbon
dioxide levels rise, the brainstem prompts the respiratory muscles to
enhance breathing rate and depth to rebalance the levels.

Chemical Control: Carbon dioxide presence in the blood increases its

acidity. Chemoreceptors detect this acidity and signal the brainstem to
stimulate increased breathing, leading to the expulsion of more carbon
dioxide and restoring a normal blood pH.

4.) UNDERSTANDING THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: "A FOUNDATION FOR

HEALTH"
Understanding the Respiratory System: A Foundation for Health

Understanding the intricate physiology of the respiratory system is

essential for appreciating its critical role in maintaining our health. By
grasping the mechanisms of breathing, gas exchange, and the
regulation of airflow, we gain insight into how this vital system supports
our body's needs. This knowledge empowers us to make informed
decisions about our health and take steps to protect our respiratory
system from harm.

Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Transport in the blood

Hemoglobin -proteincontaining iron that facilitate the transport of

oxygen in red blood cells.

OXYGEN CARRIED IN THE BLOOD IN TWO FORMS

1. Reversibly bound to hemoglobin

2. Dissolve in plasma and RBC water

CARBON DIOXIDE TRANSPORT

1. Dissolve directly in the blood

2. Bound to plasma proteins or hemoglobin

3. Convert into bicarbonate

REGULATIONS OF VENTILATION
Ventilation - In science it is the process of the lungs obtaining air
exchanging the contents with the environment.

RESPIRATORY CONTROL CENTER

The respiratory centre is comprised of four main anatomical areas,

namely

the dorsal respiratory group (DRG)

-ventral respiratory group (VRG) -apneustic centre

- pneumotaxic centre

The cerebral cortex, medulla and pons comprise the neural control of
respiration.

cerebral cortex -responsible for voluntary control c breathing whereas

the medulla and pons- responsible for automatic breathing.

A cyclic interaction between the DRG and the VRG contributes to the
basic pattern of respiration

Chemoreceptors monitor these changes, adjusting the rate and depth

of breathing to maintain homeostasis. This regulatory mechanism
ensures that the body meets its metabolic demands during varying
activities, such as rest or exercise.