The Respiratory System Caroline Kachmar, Kara Brady, and Adam Zeelens

Structure and Function

Overview used all the time complex system, and without it we would not be able to survive main function is to supply the blood with oxygen so the blood can deliver oxygen to all parts of the body respiratory system is the exchange of gases between you and your environment.

Types of Respiration two types of respiration: External- the gas exchange between lungs and blood Internal- the gas exchange between blood and body cells

Parts and Function Nose- part where air can enter the body. Prepares the air for the lungs by clearing out any dirt or dust. Mouth- air enters the body and travels directly to the lungs Pharynx- tube like space in the mouth and upper throat that filters out any dirt or dust that the nose did not. Larynx- where the vocal cords are located, which when air comes out of the lungs, it allows one to speak or sing. The larynx connects the pharynx to the trachea.

Parts and Function (continued) Trachea- windpipe that connects to the bronchial tubes. Bronchial tubes- branches that lead from the trachea to each lung. Lungs- fill with air when breathing.

Diaphragm Diaphragm- main muscle used while breathing. It contracts when one inhales and relaxes when one exhales.

Relation to the Circulatory System The respiratory system works with the circulatory system. The circulatory system supplies the body with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide. The circulatory system also transports the blood carrying oxygen to the body cells and picks up carbon dioxide. Their relationship keeps us alive.

Relation to the Excretory System The respiratory system is related to the excretory system because it releases carbon dioxide out of the body through the nose and mouth. Both the respiratory system and the excretory system use the lungs in some way.

Relation to the Muscular System The respiratory system is related to the muscular system because the diaphragm is a muscle, and it allows us to inhale and exhale. Without the muscular system, the respiratory system would not be able to function.

Diseases and Disorders

Lung Cancer Cancer begins in the cells that line the bronchi tubes The cells multiply and form in the lungs The cells eventually form tumors and spread rapidly One of the most life-threatening cancers

Lung Cancer (continued) Prevention Don’t smoke Exercise Eat healthy Have your home tested for radon Treatment Surgery Radiation Chemotherapy

Emphysema The lung tissues needed to support the lung are destroyed and can no longer support the lung The alveoli disintegrate and make it difficult for air to pass out of the lung Causes a shortness in breath Cannot be reversed

Emphysema (continued) Prevention Don’t smoke Exercise Wear a mask when exposed to chemicals Treatment Medication Breathing aids

Tuberculosis Bacterial infection Bacterium attack the lung and then move on to other parts of the body Highly contagious Often Deadly

Tuberculosis (continued) Prevention Maintain a health immune system Be exposed to fresh air Treatment Medication

Laryngitis Swelling of the larynx Vocal cords in the larynx become inflamed and cause irritation Typically caused from a virus Your voice will be raspy

Laryngitis (continued) Prevention Don’t smoke Drink lots of water Treatment Limit using your voice Pain relievers Cool-mist humidifier

Pleurisy The lining of your chest becomes inflamed Sharp pains when you cough or breathe Normally develops as a result of a lung infection such as tuberculosis

Pleurisy (continued) Prevention Avoid lung infections Treatment Antibiotics

Sudden Illness/ Emergency/ First Aid

Why the respiratory system? Breathing is vital to survive. One breaths over 20,000 times a day. The respiratory system includes your nose, throat, lungs, voice box, and windpipe. You live because of the respiratory system and its workings with other body systems! Because the respiratory system is so delicate and lithe, humans contact diseases very easily here.

Illnesses: The Common Cough The cough is the most common symptom of any respiratory ailment. Coughing allows ones airways to be cleared of secretions and foreign bodies. A cough associated with a fever or another infection of the respiratory tract may be due to bronchitis or pneumonia. A wheezing cough be may present because of asthma, a common ailment of the respiratory system.

Illnesses: Bronchitis Infection of the bronchioles, tiny airways, is the reason why people develop bronchitis. Young people develop the bronchitis the easiest because of their small airways. Smoking may increase ones chances of developing bronchitis. One might develop pneumonia because of bronchitis.

Illnesses: Bronchitis (continued) Stuffiness, runny nose, mild cough, and fever are all signs of bronchitis. The best way to prevent bronchitis is through hand washing. There is no vaccine for bronchitis, however medication is available.

Illnesses: Sinusitis Sinusitis occurs when one’s sinuses become irritated, causing an infection. Sinuses are moist air spaces within one’s facial bones. Sinusitis is highly contractible. Sinusitis occurs because of a cold or allergies when nasal passages become more swollen. A dry cough and cold-like symptoms do occur. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed from a doctor.

Additional Illnesses: Asthma Asthma is a common condition that thousands of Americans develop. This inflammatory disease occurs when thick mucus is produced by the bronchioles, making it harder to breathe. Wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing do occur.

Additional Illnesses: Pneumonia Pneumonia is a common respiratory condition of the lungs. The inflammation of the lungs results in coughing, a high fever, shaking/chills, and shortness of breath.

Additional Illnesses: Influenza Influenza, also known as the flu, has multiple symptoms including: a high fever, coughing, sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhea. To prevent such an illness, that best medicine is medicine itself. Shots are vital to prevent catching the illness. Doctors will prescribe special medication if one receives the influenza virus.

Proper Health To guarantee optimal health, one should not smoke whatsoever. Smoking, even second hand smoke, increases the chances of a lung cancer-related death. Polluted air is also not good for one’s respiratory system. Exercise, specifically running, jogging, or bicycling increases the circulation of oxygen.

Proper Safety In an emergency scenario, the Heimlich maneuver will prevent any human being from choking. The maneuver forces air out of the lungs in order to push out the object that is blocking the airways. For unconscious victims, the abdominal thrust is used when the victim is lying on their back. In any emergency situation, use the three C’s: check, call, and care!

The End