INTROOO

Anatomy of the
Respiratory System
The respiratory system is composed of a
group of muscles, blood vessels, and organs
that enable us to breathe. The primary
function of this system is to provide body
tissues and cells with life-giving oxygen while
expelling carbon dioxide. These gases are
transported via the blood to sites of gas
exchange by the circulatory system. In
addition to breathing, the respiratory system
also assists in vocalization and the sense of
smell.
The upper respiratory tract
structures are found in the head
and neck and consist of the nose,
pharynx, and larynx.
Nose - openings that allow
outside air to flow into the lungs.

Pharynx - directs air from the

nose and mouth to the larynx.

Larynx - directs air to the

windpipe and contains vocal
cords for vocalization.
The lower respiratory tract
structures are located in the thorax
or chest and include the trachea,
bronchi, and lungs (bronchioles,
alveolar ducts, and alveoli).
Trachea - splits into left and right bronchial
tubes that direct air to the left and right lungs.

Bronchus - large tubes that connect to your

trachea and direct the air you breathe to your right
and left lungs

Bronchiole - smaller bronchial tubes within

the lungs that direct air to small air sacs known as
alveoli.

Alveolar Duct - serve as passageways

connecting the alveolar sacs and bronchioles

Alveoli - bronchiole terminal sacs that are

surrounded by capillaries and are the respiratory
surfaces of the lungs.
 Lungs
The lungs take in oxygen. Your body's cells need oxygen to live and
carry out their normal functions. The lungs also get rid of carbon
dioxide, a waste product of the cells.

The lungs are a pair of cone-shaped organs made up of spongy,

pinkish-gray tissue. They take up most of the space in the chest
(thorax).

The lungs are surrounded by a membrane (pleura).

Asthma:
Defined as airway hyper-responsiveness
causing variable and reversible airflow
obstruction

Genetic factors
(i.e. HLA gene mutations, defects in bronchial airway
epithelium)

Environmental factors
(i.e. excess hygiene,fewer siblings,antibiotics within the
first two years)
Triggers of Airway Hyper-
responsiveness Include:

● Upper respiratory tract

infections (URTIS)
● Allergens(pollen, animal
dander, dust,mold,etc)
● Air pollution, cigarette smoke,
other chemicals
● Drugs(aspirin, NSAIDs,Beta
blockers)
● Cold Air
● Exercise
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY TUBERCULOSIS
DRUGS STUDY
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 Electronic References
Asthma: Pathophysiology
https://ceufast.com/course/asthma
https://calgaryguide.ucalgary.ca/asthma-pathogenesis/

Anatomy:
https://www.getbodysmart.com/respiratory-system/respiratory-system-anatomy
https://www.thoughtco.com/respiratory-system-4064891 \
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=85&contentid=p01300