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Learn about the respiratory system's functions, structures, disorders, and assessment techniques. Understand the importance of breathing, gas exchange, and respiratory health with this comprehensive guide.
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Learning Objectives • Define terms relating to the respiratory system • Describe the three functions of the respiratory system • Identify at least ten respiratory system structures and the function of each • Describe the assessment techniques of the respiratory system • Describe the disorders of the respiratory system
Function of the Respiratory System • Brings oxygen into the body through the breathing process • Inspiration (inhaling air) • Oxygen is brought into the lungs • Expiration (exhalation) • Carbon dioxide is removed from the lungs
Mechanics of Breathing The diaphragm contracts to pull air into the lungs Diaphragm relaxes & air is released
Function of the Respiratory System Through the breathing process the respiratory system functions in three ways: • Exchanges gases between the blood and lungs • Helps regulate body temperature by cooling or warming the blood • Helps maintain the blood’s electrolyte balance
Three Processes of Respiration • External respiration, or ventilation, brings oxygen into the lungs • Internal respiration exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and body cells • Cellular respiration changes acid produced during metabolism into harmless chemicals in the cells
Following the Inhalation Process • Air enters the respiratory system through the nose or mouth • Air from the nose or mouth is then funneled through the throat and into the trachea • The trachea branches into two tubes called bronchi • Each bronchus enters one of the lungs and then branches into smaller tubes called bronchioles • The bronchioles have small sacs at their ends called alveoli • Capillaries in the walls of the alveoli exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide by the process of diffusion
ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Assessment Techniques • Rate • The normal rate of respiration varies with age, gender, posture, exercise, temperature, and other factors • Children breathe 20 times a minute • Adults breathe 16 to 20 times a minute • Elderly often breathe less than 16 times a minute
Assessment Techniques (Continued) • Character • Respirations should have a regular rhythm, occurring at regular intervals • Apnea: no respiration • Respirations may be deep or shallow • Respirations may be dry or wet • Sounds • Breath sounds can be heard by using a stethoscope • Wheezing or adventitious sounds may indicate an abnormal condition
Assessment Techniques (Continued) • Lung volume • Measurement of the respiratory capacity • Respiratory capacity is the amount of air that can be brought into the lungs • Measured by a spirometer • Lung capacity depends on age and physical condition
Assessment Techniques (Continued) • Lung volume • Vital capacity Includes: • Tidal volume • Amount of air normally exchanged • Inspiratory reserve • Additional amount of air that can be inhaled • Expiratory reserve • Additional amount of air that can be exhaled
Assessment Techniques (Continued) • Blood gases • Measure how much oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are in the blood, the blood’s pH, and other gases
Disorders of the Respiratory System • Anthrax • Caused by spores of the bacterium • Asthma attack • May result from exposure to an allergen, cold temperature, exercise, or emotion • Atelectasis • A collapse of part or all of a lung, caused by a tumor in the thoracic cavity, pneumonia, or injury
Disorders of the Respiratory System (Continued) • Bronchitis • An infection of the bronchi • Carbon monoxide poisoning • Occurs from breathing carbon monoxide • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease • A group of chronic respiratory disorders including asthma, chronic bronchitis, and pulmonary emphysema
Disorders of the Respiratory System (Continued) • Cold • A respiratory infection • Cystic fibrosis • A genetic disorder of the exocrine glands • Emphysema • The alveoli lose elasticity and become dilated and do not exchange gases well
Disorders of the Respiratory System (Continued) • Hantavirus • A respiratory condition spread by breathing in materials contaminated by urine or saliva of infected rodents such as deer, mice, and chipmunks • Hay fever • A respiratory inflammation caused by allergens such as plants, dust, and food • Lung cancer • Directly linked to smoking and smoke products
Disorders of the Respiratory System (Continued) • Pleural effusion • A condition in which air or fluid enters the pleural cavity • Pleurisy • An inflammation of the membranes that line the lungs • Pneumonia • An inflammation of the lungs, in which a buildup of excessive moisture impairs breathing
Disorders of the Respiratory System (Continued) • Pneumoconiosis • An inflammation in the lungs caused by inhaled irritants • Respiratory acidosis • A buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood, causing a lowered blood pH • Respiratory alkalosis • A deficiency of carbon dioxide in the blood
Disorders of the Respiratory System (Continued) • Respiratory distress syndrome • A condition that occurs when the alveoli do not inflate properly • Sinusitis • An inflammation of one or more of the paranasal sinuses • Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) • A respiratory disorder of newborns
Disorders of the Respiratory System (Continued) • Tuberculosis • Caused by bacteria that are difficult to destroy, and it can be transmitted through the air • Upper respiratory infection • Caused by a virus or bacteria in the nose, pharynx, or larynx
Issues and Innovations • Tobacco issues • Cigarette smoking has been linked to many illnesses • Nonsmokers face same risks because they are subjected to “passive,” “secondhand,” or “sidestream” smoke • Harmful effects of “smokeless” tobacco: • Leukoplakia • Mouth cancer • Heart disease
Issues and Innovations (Continued) • Environmental health risks • Black lung disease • Miners who inhale coal dust • Asbestos • Chronic scarring of the lung tissue • Berylliosis • Inhalation of beryllium used in fluorescent light bulbs • Toxic chemicals used in the computer industry • Sick building syndrome • Elevated levels of carbon dioxide cause sickness • Toxic mold • Stachybotrys or Chaetomium produces mycotoxins that are poisonous