NCM 118
ANATOMY SUPPLEMENTAL NOTES
Clinical Instructor: Rhanz Rhudie Mongaya, RN
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
● The respiratory system is a complex network of organs and
structures responsible for the process of respiration, which
involves the exchange of gasses between the body and the
external environment.
● The primary goal of the respiratory system:
○ is to supply the body's cells with oxygen (O2) for
energy production and to remove carbon dioxide
(CO2)
○ a waste product of metabolism
UPPER RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
● Comprises the structures located above the trachea, which
play a crucial role in facilitating the initial processes of
breathing, filtering, and warming the inhaled air.
● The upper respiratory system's functions include:
○ Warming
○ Humidifying
○ Filtering the air as it enters the body.
● The presence of mucous membranes and cilia in these
structures helps trap and remove particles and
microorganisms from the inhaled air, preventing them from
entering the lower respiratory system and potentially causing
infections.
● Additionally, the upper respiratory system contributes to the
sense of smell, speech resonance, and immune defense
mechanisms.
These structures include:
● The nose is the primary external organ of
the upper respiratory system.
● It serves as the entrance for air into the
Nose respiratory system.
● The nasal passages are lined with
mucous membranes and cilia, which filter
and moisten incoming air.
● The nasal cavity is the hollow space
inside the nose.
● It contains the nasal septum (a partition
dividing the nose into left and right sides)
Nasal and turbinates (scroll-like bones that
cavity increase the surface area for air contact).
● The nasal cavity warms, humidifies, and
filters the air before it enters the lower
respiratory system.
● These are air-filled spaces connected to
the nasal cavity.
Paranasal ● The paranasal sinuses include the
sinuses frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid, and
maxillary sinuses.
● They contribute to the resonance of the
voice, reduce the weight of the skull, and
may help humidify and warm the air
● The pharynx is a muscular tube connecting
the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx
and esophagus.
Pharynx ● It serves as a common passageway for
(throat) both air and food.
● The nasopharynx, or upper part of the
pharynx, helps direct air from the nasal
cavity to the lower respiratory system
● Tonsils are collections of lymphoid tissue
located in the pharynx.
Tonsils ● Adenoids are similar lymphoid tissue
and located in the nasopharynx.
adenoids ● These structures are part of the immune
system and help protect against infections.
● The larynx, or voice box, is located at the
top of the trachea.
Larynx ● It contains the vocal cords, which vibrate
when air passes through, producing sound
(speech and singing).
● Specialized flap-like structure located in
Epiglottis the throat, specifically in the region of the
larynx (voice box)
● Prevent food and liquids from entering
the trachea (windpipe) and the lower
respiratory system when swallowing.
LOWER RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
● Comprises the structures responsible for facilitating the
exchange of gasses between the bloodstream and the air in
the lungs.
● The lower respiratory system's primary function is to facilitate
the exchange of gasses between the air in the alveoli and
the bloodstream.
● Oxygen is taken up by red blood cells and transported
throughout the body, while carbon dioxide is removed from
the bloodstream and exhaled from the lungs.
● This intricate process ensures that the body's cells receive
the oxygen they need for energy production and that waste
carbon dioxide is efficiently eliminated.
These structures are located below the larynx and include:
● The trachea is a rigid, tubular structure
that connects the larynx to the bronchi.
Trachea ● It is lined with ciliated mucous membranes
(windpipe) that help trap and remove foreign
particles, preventing them from entering
the lungs.
● The trachea divides into two main
bronchi: the left and right bronchi.
Bronchi ● These bronchi further branch into smaller
and bronchioles, creating a branching network
bronchioles of airways.
● The bronchioles eventually lead to the
alveoli, where gas exchange occurs.
● The lungs are the main organs of the
lower respiratory system.
● They are divided into lobes: the right
Lungs lung has three lobes (upper, middle, and
lower), and the left lung has two lobes
(upper and lower) due to the space
occupied by the heart.
● Alveoli are tiny, thin-walled sacs located at
the ends of the bronchioles within the
lungs.
Alveoli ● They are the primary sites for gas
exchange, where oxygen from inhaled air
diffuses into the bloodstream, and carbon
dioxide from the bloodstream diffuses into
the alveoli to be exhaled.
● The pleura is a double-layered membrane
that surrounds each lung and lines the
chest cavity.
● The visceral pleura covers the lung
Pleura surfaces, and the parietal pleura lines the
chest cavity.
● The pleura's fluid-filled space reduces
friction during breathing and helps keep
the lung surfaces adhered to the chest
wall.
● The diaphragm is a dome-shaped
muscle located beneath the lungs.
Diaphragm ● It plays a crucial role in breathing by
contracting and flattening during inhalation
and relaxing during exhalation.