THE RESPIRATORY

SYSTEM

THE RESPIRATORY
SYSTEM
isabiologicalsystemconsistingofspecific

organsandstructuresusedfortheprocess
ofrespirationinanorganism.
isinvolvedintheintakeandexchangeof
oxygenandcarbondioxidebetweenan
organismandtheenvironment

MAIN FUNCTION OF
RESPIRATORY
SYSTEM IN
THE BODY
The respiratory system's
primary function is to supply
oxygen to all the parts of your
body. It accomplishes this
through breathing:

Main Parts of the

Respiratory System
and their Function

Nasal cavity
is a large air filled space above and
behind the nose in the middle of the face.
Each cavity is the continuation of one of
the two nostrils.
Turbinates
Bones that protrude into the nasal
cavity they increase surface area for
filtering dust and dirt particles by the
mucous membrane.

Cilia
Nose hairs, trap larger dirt particles.

Sinuses
Cavities in the skull, ducts connect
them to the nasal cavity, lined with
mucous membrane to warm and moisten
the air. Give resonance to voice.

Pharynx
The Throat. Cone shaped passageway
leading to trachea.
Epiglottis
When food is swallowed, this closes
over the opening to the larnyx,
preventing food from entering the lungs.
Larynx
This is also known as the voice box as
it is where sound is generated. It also
helps protect the trachea by producing a
strong cough reflex if any solid objects
pass the epiglottis.
Glottis
The opening at the upper part of
the larynx, between the vocal cords.

Trachea
The trachea is also known as
windpipe. The trachea filters the air we
inhale and branches into the bronchi.
Bronchi
The bronchi are the two air tubes that
branch off of from the trachea and carry
atmospheric air directly into the lungs.
Bronchial tubes
Large, delicate tubes that carry air
into the tiny branches and smaller cells
of the lungs after this air has passed
through the mouth, nasal passages, and
windpipe (trachea).

Bronchioles
are the passageways by which air passes through the nose or mouth to the alveoli(air sacs) of the lungs.
Alveolus
Alveolus is the tiny sac like structure present in the lungs which the gaseous exchange takes place.
Lungs
The main organ of the respiratory system is lungs. Lungs are the site in body where oxygen is taken into and carbon dioxide is expelled out. The red blood cells present in the blood picks up the oxygen in the lungs and carry
and distribute the oxygen to all body cells that need it. The red blood cells donate the oxygen to the cells and picks up the carbon dioxide produced by the cells.

Apex
Upper part of lung.
Base
Lower part of lung.
Right lung
Larger and shorter (displaced by liver)
and has three lobes.
Left lung
Smaller (displaced by heart) and has two
lobes.
Pleura
Thin, moist, slippery membrane that
covers lungs. Double-walled sac. Space is
pleural cavity- filled with pleural fluid to
prevent friction.

Diseases Associated
with Respiratory
System

Asthma

is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways.
Causes:
No one really knows what causesAsthma, Since asthma has a genetic origin and is a disease you are born with, passed down from generation to generation
Symptons:
Coughing, especially at night
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest Tightness, pain or pressure

14 Tips to Prevent Asthma Attacks

1. Use allergy-proof covers on pillows and
mattresses.
2. Do not allow pets in bedrooms or on
furniture.
3. Remove carpets and stuffed toys from
bedrooms.
4. Fix leaky faucets.
5. Avoid areas where people smoke.
6. Avoid harsh cleaning products and
chemicals.
7. Reduce stress.
8. Pay attention to air quality.
9. Exercise indoors.
10. Take control of your seasonal
allergies.
11. Make sure people around you know
you have asthma.
12. Keep quick-relief asthma medicines readily

Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is swelling and mucus buildup in the smallest air passages in the lungs (bronchioles). It is usually due to a viral infection.
Cause:

Bronchiolitis occurs when a virus infects the bronchioles, which are the smallest of the airways branching off the main
breathing tubes (bronchi) within your lungs. Respiratory syncytal virus(RSV) is the most common cause. More than half of all
infants are exposed to this virus by their first birthday.
Other viruses that can cause bronchiolitis include:
Adenovirus
Influenza
Parainfluenza

Symptoms:

Bronchiolitis begins as a mild upper respiratory

infection.Within 2 to3 days, the child develops
more breathing problems, including wheezing and a
cough.
Symptoms include:

Bluish skin due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis) emergency treatment is needed

Breathing difficulty including wheezing and
shortness of breath
Cough
Fatigue
Fever
Muscles around the ribs sink in as the child tries to
breathe in( called intercostal retractions)
Infant's nostrils get wide when breathing
Rapid breathing (tachypnea)

Prevention:
Because bronchiolitis spreads from person to person,
one of the best ways to prevent it is to wash your hands
frequently especially before touching your baby when
you have a cold.
Wearing a face mask at this time is appropriate

Other effective ways that can help curb

spread of the infection include:
Limit your child's contact with people who have a
fever or cold.
Get a flu shot.
Keep bathroom and kitchen countertops in your
home clean.
Use a tissue only once.
Use your own drinking glass.
Be prepared away from home.
Wash hands.
Breast-feed.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. "Progressive" means the disease gets worse over time.

Cause:
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Most people who have COPD smoke or used to smoke. Long-term exposure to other lung irritantssuch as air pollution, chemical fumes, or dustalso may contribute to COPD.
Symptoms:
COPD is a major cause of disability
Many more people may have the disease and not even know it.
Severe COPD may prevent you from doing even basic activities like walking, cooking, or taking care of yourself.

Prevention:
The best way to prevent COPD is to not start smoking or to quit smoking.
Also, try to avoid lung irritants that can contribute to COPD. Examples include secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust.
If you have COPD:
The most important step you can take is to quit smoking. Quitting can help prevent complications and slow the progress of the disease. You also should avoid exposure to the lung irritants mentioned above.
Follow your treatments for COPD exactly as your doctor prescribes. They can help you breathe easier, stay more active, and avoid or manage severe symptoms.

Cystic Fibrosis
is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system.
affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery. But in people with cystic fibrosis, a defective gene
causes the secretions to become thick and sticky.
Causes:
Children need to inherit one copy of the gene from each parent in order to have the disease. If children inherit only one copy, they won't develop cystic fibrosis, but will be carriers and
possibly pass the gene to their own children.

Symptoms:
Respiratory signs and symptoms
The thick and sticky mucus associated with cystic fibrosis clogs the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. This can cause:
A persistent cough that produces thick (sputum) mucus
Wheezing
Breathlessness
Exercise intolerance
Repeated lung infections
Inflamed nasal passages or a stuffy nose
Prevention:
Cystic Fibrosis is agenetic disorderthat cannot be prevented.

Pneumonia
is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material)
is a lung infection that can make you very sick

Causes:
Many germs can cause pneumonia. The most common are bacteria and viruses in the air we breathe.
Pneumonia is classified according to the types of germs that cause it and where you got the infection.
Bacteria - The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in the U.S. is Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Bacteria-like organisms- Mycoplasma pneumoniae also can cause pneumonia. It typically produces milder symptoms than do other types of pneumonia.

Viruses - Some of the viruses that cause colds and the flu
can cause pneumonia. Viruses are the most common
cause of pneumonia in children younger than 5 years.
Viral pneumonia is usually mild. But in some cases it can
become very serious.
Fungi - his type of pneumonia is most common in
people with chronic health problems or weakened
immune systems, and in people who have inhaled large
doses of the organisms. The fungi that cause it can be
found in soil or bird droppings.
Symptoms:
Cough, often producing mucus, also called sputum, from
the lungs. Mucus may be rusty or green or tinged with
blood.
Fever, which may be less common in older adults.
Shaking, "teeth-chattering" chills.
Fast, often shallow, breathing and the feeling of being
short of breath.

Chest wall pain that is often made worse by coughing or

breathing in
Fast heartbeat.
Feeling very tired or weak.
Nausea and vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Preventions:
Stop smoking. You're more likely to get pneumonia if
you smoke.
Avoid people who have infections that sometimes
lead to pneumonia. Stay away from people who have
colds, the flu, or otherrespiratory tract infections.
If you haven't had measles or chickenpox or if you
didn't get vaccines against these diseases, avoid people
who have them.
Wash your hand often. This helps prevent the spread
of viruses and bacteria that may cause pneumonia.

THATS ALL
FOLKS