CHAPTER 13 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

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

Structure 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

Respiratory Capacity

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

Blood Gas Analysis

DISORDERS OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

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

Triggering Agents of Asthma

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

Leukoplakia

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