Anatomy and Physiology – Giang Tran Huong Le

QQI ASSESSMENT

Module: Anatomy and PHysiology 5N0749

An Investigation into the Respiratory System
Cover Page
(value 20% of Module)

Candidate Name: (Print) GIANG TRAN HUONG LE

Class: HEALTHCARE - D
FETAC Candidate No: ________________________

Centre: Liberties College Roll No: 70340T

I declare that this material, which I now submit for assessment, is entirely my own
work and has not been taken from the work of others, save and to the extent that such
work has been cited and acknowledged within the text of my work. I understand that
plagiarism, collusion, and copying are serious offences in Liberties College and
accept the penalties that would be imposed should I engage in plagiarism, collusion
or copying.

Signed: GIANG TRAN LE

Anatomy and Physiology – Giang Tran Huong Le

LIBERTIES COLLEGE
COLÁISTE NA SAOIRSÍ

Anatomy and Physiology 5N0749

Brief Information

Title An Investigation into the Respiratory System

Learning Outcome
Numbers Assessed
Issue Date
Feedback Date
Assignment Weighting
13,14 and 15. See overleaf.
Week beginning: Week Beginning:
2nd November 2020 Submission Date 14th December 2020
Week beginning:
23rd November 2020 Word Count Approx. 1000 -1500
Carolyn Coughlan
20% Tutor

Assignment Brief

This assignment requires you to plan and carry out an investigation into the Respiratory System.

 Examine the system according to the learning outcomes listed below (13,14,15)
 Compare a healthy respiratory system to one with a disorder of either asthma or
emphysema and finally, examine ways to best maintain a healthy respiratory
system.
13. Describe the structure and identify the parts of the respiratory system
14. Describe the role of muscles, blood and the nervous system in the breathing process
15. Explain the process of gas exchange in the alveoli
Anatomy and Physiology – Giang Tran Huong Le

Presentation Format
Place assignment cover sheet in front of your assignment.

The investigation may include a practical experiment, a small scale survey or any other appropriate form. You,
the learner must document all stages of each assignment.

Each assignment may be presented in a variety of media e.g. written, audio, video, graphic, visual or a
combination of these. Audio and visual evidence must be provided on a suitable format.

Please submit on Moodle

Marking Scheme
Assessment Criteria Assignment 1
 Effective planning and execution of the assignment 10
 Presentation of appropriate findings, conclusion and supporting documentation 10
 Total Marks 20

Health Care Assistant A and B

Anatomy and Physiology 5N0749

Brief Title

An Investigation into the Respiratory System

Instructions/Guidelines

Main Sections of the assignment

 Cover Page: Name, PPS no., class and title of assignment

 Brief attached
 Contents page
Anatomy and Physiology – Giang Tran Huong Le

 Aim
 Introduction
 Findings: Main body of work
 Any Practical work or surveys
 Conclusion
 Bibliography/Referencing
 Appendix

Instructions/ Learning Outcomes Assessed

13. Describe the structure and identify the parts of the respiratory system

 Describe the structure and identify the parts of the respiratory system including:
o Nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, lungs, pleura
(visceral, parietal, pleural cavity)

14. Describe the role of muscles, blood and the nervous system in the breathing process

 Describe the role of muscles, blood and nervous system in the breathing process including:
o Intercostal muscles
o Role of blood in respiration
o Role of brain in respiration

15. Explain the process of gas exchange in the alveoli

 Explain the process of gas exchange in the alveoli including:

 Mechanics of inhalation and exhalation
 Mechanics of external and internal respiration
 Process of diffusion in alveoli
Anatomy and Physiology – Giang Tran Huong Le

Contents
Introduction and Aim.........................................................................................................6
Structure and parts of the respiratory system.....................................................................7
The role of muscles, blood and nervous system in the breathing process.........................9
The process of gas exchange in the alveoli......................................................................10
Compare a healthy respiratory system to one with asthma..............................................11
Conclusion........................................................................................................................12
BIBLIOGRAPHY............................................................................................................13
APPENDIX......................................................................................................................15
Anatomy and Physiology – Giang Tran Huong Le

Introduction and Aim

I am Giang Lee, I am currently studying Healthcare Assistant course at Liberties College. I

have been assigned to do an investigation into the Respiratory System. It is the system that
contains a network of organs and tissues that help human being breathe.

In the scope of this assignment, I am going to examine the Respiratory System by: describing
its structure and identifying the parts, outline the role of muscles, blood and the nervous
system in the breathing process and explaining the process of gas exchange in the alveoli. I
will extend my knowledge by comparing a healthy respiratory system to one with asthma.
Finally, I will outline the ways to keep a healthy respiratory system.
Anatomy and Physiology – Giang Tran Huong Le

Structure and parts of the respiratory system

The respiratory system contains organs and tissues (airways, lungs and blood vessels). They
work together to deliver oxygen throughout the body through inspiration and remove waste
gases like carbon dioxide through expiration. It is located in the chest cavity and is
controlled by the nervous system which is the medulla, the one that sends signals to the
muscles within the respiratory system to breath. (21.10A: Neural Mechanisms (Respiratory
Center), 2020). Besides helping us breath, below are some of other functions of respiratory
system:
 Help us talk and smell
 Deliver oxygen to the cells in the body
 Protects the airways from allergens and harmful substances.
Respiration is a chemical reaction where energy is released from glucose to function life. The
cell respiration formula is:

(Class’s note)
Parts of the Respiratory System
Nasal passage (Nose): is the organ of smell and is the first channel for air flows through. It is
made of 2 nasal bones and cartilage which is divided by the septum (wall). The septum of the
nasal passages is lined with the cilia (hairy bristle) and the mucus membrane inside it. It
purposes is to warms and moistens incoming air as the lung cells must remain wet to function
because we evolved from organism that lived in water. (Crash Course, 2015) It also filters
dust and bacteria before the air reaches the lung.
Pharynx (throat): “is a passageway that extends from the base of the skull to the level of the
sixth cervical vertebra” (Pharynx | SEER Training, n.d.). The tube is divided into the
oesophagus and larynx. The pharynx acts as part of both the digestive (deliver food to the
body) and respiratory systems. Similar to the nasal passage, the pharynx also warms up and
moistens the air we inhale.
Larynx: is as known as the voice box. It is made of 9 cartilages that are joined together by
muscles and ligaments. The thyroid cartilage forms the Adam’s apple which is often visibly
seen in men. (Larynx & Trachea | SEER Training, n.d.). It acts as a passageway for airflow
between the pharynx and trachea. The larynx plays a key role in sound production where it
filters bacteria and also warms up and moistens the air.
Trachea: is 10cm long which begins just under the larynx and down to to the sternum. It is
then divided into two smaller tubes called bronchi that leads to the lungs. The trachea is
viewed as the passageway for airflow between the larynx and the bronchi. Mucosa, a tissue
which is moist and smooth, lines the inside of the trachea. When we breath in, the trachea is
Anatomy and Physiology – Giang Tran Huong Le

widened and lenghthened slightly and then it returns to its size when we breath out.
(DerSarkissian, 2019)
Bronchi: The trachea divides into two main bronchi that extend into the left and right lung.
The right bronchus is wide and short while the left bronchus is thin and long. They
subdivided into three and two lobar bronchi for the right and left respectively. Bronchi’s
function is to moisten and warm air, they also removes mucus and harmful bacterial from the
lungs (21.3A: Bronchi and Subdivisions, 2020).
Bronchioles: are the smaller branch of bronchi and are the finest airways in the respiratory
tract. As they spread further into the lungs, they become smaller and divide into terminal
bronchioles. The bronchioles aids in the process of breathing and respiration by delivering
Oxygen rich air into the lungs and carrying Carbon Dioxide rich air out of the lung.
(Bronchioles, 2017)
Alveoli: are tiny air sacs located at the end of the bronchioles. The exchange of Oxygen and
Carbon Dioxide of the lungs and the blood takes place in the alveoli. The oxygen we breathe
in is passed through the alveoli and into the blood then travels to the tissues and organs
throughout the body. Carbon Dioxide from the body’s tissues passes through the alveoli again
to be breathed out. (NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms, n.d.)
Lungs: are moist, spongy, air-filled and are located on two sides of the chest. It allows gases
to enter and exit to the blood. The right lung has 3 lobes: superior, middle and inferior; the
left lung has 2 lobes: superior and inferior. Pleura, a thin tissue layer, covers the lungs and the
pleural cavity in between is filled with serous fluid. The fluid’s purpose is to allow the
smooth movment of the lungs as they expand and contract with each breath. (Hoffman, 2019)
Pleurae: There are two pleurae in the body and they contain the serous fluid that cover the
lungs and thoracic cavity. Serous membrane is a layer of simple squamous cells and is
supported by connective tissue. Each pleura is separated into two parts: viceral pleura which
covers the lungs and perietal pleura which covers the internal surface of the thoracic cavity.
Plueral cavity is the potential space between the vicera and parietal pleura. It has serous fluid
which serves as the lubrication of the surface of the pleurae and aslo produce surface tension
to pull the parietal and visceral pleura together. (Sparke, 2020)
Anatomy and Physiology – Giang Tran Huong Le

The role of muscles, blood and nervous system in the breathing

process.
Role of muscles
 Diaphragm: a dome-shaped muscle that is located just below the lungs and heart. It is
primarily used in respiration by contracting and flattening as we inhale and relaxing
and pushing the air out of the lungs as we exhale. (Santos-Longhurst, 2018)
 Abdominal muscles: aid the process of breathing out in the event of fast breathing like
during physical activity or when your body tenses up. They act to decrease the
volume of the thoracic cavity.
 Muscles of the face, mouth and pharynx: these muscles control the lips, tongue, soft
palate help with breathing. If one of these muscles does not function properly, it can
affect the breathing process.
 Muscles in the neck and collarbone area are to help you breathe in.
 Intercostal muscles: are the one between the ribs. There are three types: external
intercostal muscles, internal intercostal muscles and innermost intercostal muscles.
(Muscles of Respiration, n.d.). When we breathe in, the internal intercostal muscles
relax and the external intercostal muscles contract and the process is reversed when
we breathe out. (Ventilation - Respiratory system - GCSE Biology (Single Science)
Revision - BBC Bitesize, n.d.)
Role of brain
 Sensors in the airways: when lung irritants are detected, the sensors trigger sneezing
in people who have asthma. They can cause the muscles around the airways in the
lungs to contract which makes the airways smaller. (Class’ note)
 Sensors in the brain and near blood vessels: they detect the level of Carbon Dioxide
and Oxygen in the arterial blood (Class’ note)
 Sensors in the joints and muscles: detect the movement of your arms or legs, they
increase the breathing rate when we do physical activity. (Class’ note)
Role of blood: Oxygen is made by the cells to produce energy for the body to work on. The
cells also make Carbon Dioxide which is a waste gas. Carbon dioxide travels from the cells
into the bloodstream to the right side of the heart. Carbon Dioxide rich blood is then goes
from the heart through the pulmonary artery to the lungs and then breathed out. (Class’ note)
Anatomy and Physiology – Giang Tran Huong Le

The process of gas exchange in the alveoli

Mechanics of inhalation and exhalation.

 Inhalation (Inspiration): the phase where air enters the lungs. The diaphragm contracts
and moves downward. The space in chest cavity is increased and the lungs expand
into it. As the lungs expand, air is sucked in through the nose or mouth then it travels
down the trachea and into the lungs. After passing through bronchial tubes, air travel
to the alveoli. (Class’ note) The intercostal muscles also aid to enlarge the chest
cavity. By contracting, they pull the rib cage both upward and outward with the
inhalation. (Pandirajan, 2020)
 Exhalation (Expiration) is the phase where air comes out of the lungs. The process is
initiated by relaxation of the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles. The
diaphragm returns to its original place which causes the decreasing of the
intrpulmonary volume and the increasing of intrapulmonary pressure; the ribs and
sternum are depressed as the external intercostal muscles relax, diminishing the
capacity of the thoracic cavity. (Class’ note)
Mechanics of external and internal respiration
 External respiration: describe the movement of air that contains oxygen goes into the
lungs where it will be carried to the cells by the bloodstream. Carbon dioxide is
released as a waste product, travels back to the lungs to be expelled. External
respiration happens as a function of partial pressure differences in oxygen and
carbondioxide between the alveoli and the blood. (Gas Exchange | Anatomy and
Physiology II, n.d.)
 Internal Respiration: is a process of gas exchange that takes place between the
bloodstream and tissues. It happens as simple diffusion due to partial pressure
differences where oxygen is diffused from the blood into the cells while carbon
dioxide is diffused in the opposite direction. (Internal Respiration, 2017)
Process of diffusion in alveoli
The exchange of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide occur as a result of diffusion. It is when the
material move from a high concentration area to a lower concentration area. There are about
600,000,000 in the lungs and their job is to diffuse the gases. The walls of the alveoli are
simple squamous epithelium which facilitate the gas exchange process to be quicker and
easier. The diffused gasses then carried to their destination after being picked up by the
blood. (Class’ note)
Anatomy and Physiology – Giang Tran Huong Le

Compare a healthy respiratory system to one with asthma

Asthma is a breathing disorder which causes inflamtion in the lungs. When Asthma is
triggered by external factors such as: pollen, dust, or animal dander, it leads to an asthama
attack due to the tiny muscles around the airways squeeze and have swelling inside. (What
Happens in Your Airways When You Have Asthma?, 2019). The symptoms of asthma are
coughing at night or in the morning, wheezing sound when breathing, breathlessness, pain
and tightness in the chest or insomnia due to breathing problems. (Asthma, 2019)
Normal airways Airways of person with asthma
The muscles around the bronchial tubes are The muscles of the bronchial tubes tighten
relaxed; the thin tissue allow easy airflow and thicken; air passages is inflamed and
(Appendix 2) filled with excess mucus which prevent the
airflow. (What Happens in Your Airways
When You Have Asthma?, 2019)

Preventation of Asthma Attack.

 Staying away from environmental factors that trigger asthma as mentioned above.
 Using asthma inhaler as instructed by doctor
 Keeping track of the condition and report any changes or unusual signs to the doctor
as soon as possible.
 Doing exercises with caution.
 Avoiding anything that triggers strong emotional response that leads to stress and
increase anxiety level, which may cause asthma attack.
Anatomy and Physiology – Giang Tran Huong Le

Conclusion
Best ways to maintain a healthy respiratory system.
It is crucial to keep the respiratory system healthy, espcially the lungs because the body needs
oxygen to function and nurture the cells within it.
 Improve air quality: According to a report on air pollution on WHO website, in 2016,
4.2 million premature deaths were caused by ambient air pollution in cities and rural
areas. It is a major health affecting problem and is the culprit of cardiovascular,
cancers and respiratory disease. (Ambient (outdoor) air pollution, 2018). People who
live in the big cities or near industrial estate should wear masks that can filter small
particulate matter of 2.5 microns as PM2.5 can exacerbate the condition of asthma.
Every household should be equipped with air filter to eliminate the risk of exposing to
dusts and viruses, as a result, reducing the risk of respiratory infections or diseases.
 Regular exercise: staying active is good for the lungs as it improves circualtion and
strengthening our muscles.
 Breathing exercises such as counting your breaths to ensure that it takes the same
amount of time to inhale and exhale. Deep breathing can help the lungs to reache its
full capacity.
 Healthy diet contributes significantly to the health of the respiratory system as lung
disease are caused by low level of certain vitamin and trace minerals such as Vitamin
A,C, E and Zinc, Potassium and Selenium. (6 Simple Ways You Can Take Care Of
Your Lungs & Live A Healthier Life - Genesis Medical Associates, Inc., Specialists,
2014)
 Smoking and secondary smoking must be avoided at all cost. Everyone is well aware
of the risks accompanied with smoking tobbaco but it is worthwhile to note the
detrimental effect of secondary smoking. According to CDC, adults who are exposed
to secondary smoking, suffer from lung cancers, heart disease and stroke.
 Hand hygiene: admist the outbreak of the novel Corana virus, hand hygiene has been
considered the most effective method of preventing the infection. Good practice of
hand washing will keep away germs, viruses and bacteria from entering into your
respiratory system.
Anatomy and Physiology – Giang Tran Huong Le

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Medicine LibreTexts. 2020. 21.10A: Neural Mechanisms (Respiratory Center). [online]
Available at: <https://med.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Anatomy_and_Physiology/Book
%3A_Anatomy_and_Physiology_(Boundless)/21%3A_Respiratory_System/21.10%3A_
Respiration_Control/21.10A%3A_Neural_Mechanisms_(Respiratory_Center)>
[Accessed 10 November 2020].
Crash Course, 2015. Respiratory System, Part 1: Crash Course A&P #31. [video]
Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHZsvBdUC2I> [Accessed 10
November 2020].
Training.seer.cancer.gov. n.d. Pharynx | SEER Training. [online] Available at:
<https://training.seer.cancer.gov/anatomy/respiratory/passages/pharynx.html> [Accessed
10 November 2020].
Training.seer.cancer.gov. n.d. Larynx & Trachea | SEER Training. [online] Available at:
<https://training.seer.cancer.gov/anatomy/respiratory/passages/larynx.html> [Accessed
10 November 2020].
DerSarkissian, C., 2019. The Trachea (Human Anatomy): Picture, Function, Conditions,
And More. [online] WebMD. Available at: <https://www.webmd.com/lung/picture-of-
the-trachea> [Accessed 11 November 2020].
Medicine LibreTexts. 2020. 21.3A: Bronchi And Subdivisions. [online] Available at:
<https://med.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Anatomy_and_Physiology/Book
%3A_Anatomy_and_Physiology_(Boundless)/21%3A_Respiratory_System/21.3%3A_R
espiratory_Zone/21.3A%3A_Bronchi_and_Subdivisions> [Accessed 11 November
2020].
Biology Dictionary. 2017. Bronchioles. [online] Available at:
<https://biologydictionary.net/bronchioles/> [Accessed 11 November 2020].
National Cancer Institute. n.d. NCI Dictionary Of Cancer Terms. [online] Available at:
<https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/alveoli> [Accessed
11 November 2020].
Hoffman, M., 2019. The Lungs (Human Anatomy): Picture, Function, Definition,
Conditions. [online] WebMD. Available at: <https://www.webmd.com/lung/picture-of-
the-lungs> [Accessed 11 November 2020].
Sparke, A., 2020. The Pleurae - Visceral - Parietal - Teachmeanatomy. [online]
Teachmeanatomy.info. Available at:
<https://teachmeanatomy.info/thorax/organs/pleurae/> [Accessed 11 November 2020].
Anatomy and Physiology – Giang Tran Huong Le

Santos-Longhurst, A., 2018. Diaphragm: Anatomy, Function, Diagram, Conditions, And

Symptoms. [online] Healthline. Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/human-body-
maps/diaphragm> [Accessed 12 November 2020].
Physiopedia. n.d. Muscles Of Respiration. [online] Available at: <https://www.physio-
pedia.com/Muscles_of_Respiration> [Accessed 12 November 2020].
BBC Bitesize. n.d. Ventilation - Respiratory System - GCSE Biology (Single Science)
Revision - BBC Bitesize. [online] Available at:
<https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z6h4jxs/revision/2> [Accessed 12 November
2020].
Pandirajan, K., 2020. Mechanics Of Breathing - Inspiration - Expiration -
Teachmephysiology. [online] TeachMePhysiology. Available at:
<https://teachmephysiology.com/respiratory-system/ventilation/mechanics-of-breathing/>
[Accessed 12 November 2020].
Courses.lumenlearning.com. n.d. Gas Exchange | Anatomy And Physiology II. [online]
Available at: <https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-ap2/chapter/gas-exchange/>
[Accessed 13 November 2020].
Biology Dictionary. 2017. Internal Respiration. [online] Available at:
<https://biologydictionary.net/internal-respiration/> [Accessed 13 November 2020].
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. 2019. What Happens In Your Airways
When You Have Asthma?. [online] Available at: <https://community.aafa.org/blog/what-
happens-in-your-airways-when-you-have-asthma> [Accessed 14 November 2020].
WebMD. 2019. Asthma. [online] Available at: <https://www.webmd.com/asthma/what-
is-asthma> [Accessed 14 November 2020].
Who.int. 2018. Ambient (Outdoor) Air Pollution. [online] Available at:
<https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-
health> [Accessed 14 November 2020].
Genesismedical.org. 2014. 6 Simple Ways You Can Take Care Of Your Lungs & Live A
Healthier Life - Genesis Medical Associates, Inc., Specialists. [online] Available at:
<https://www.genesismedical.org/blog/6-simple-ways-you-can-take-care-of-your-lungs-
live-a-healthier-life> [Accessed 14 November 2020].
Anatomy and Physiology – Giang Tran Huong Le

APPENDIX
1.
Anatomy and Physiology – Giang Tran Huong Le

2.
Anatomy and Physiology – Giang Tran Huong Le