~The Respiratory System~

 

The main function of this system is to allow oxygen inspiration and carbon dioxide from expiration to enter and leave. 

 

                                                                                                            

 

The respiratory tract, the path along which air moves and transitions, includes: the nose (the only external part of the system), the pharynx (a funnel-shaped passageway), the larynx (passageway between pharynx and trachea), the trachea (the windpipe), and the bronchial tree(bronchi that lead into left and right lungs).

 

The lungs ( cone shaped organs) which are in the thoracic cavity are each enclosed bye a serous membrane that is called pleura, which promotes surface tension.  The lungs are divided into lobes, 3 on the right and 2 on the left. The alveoli, which are sacs made up of squamous epithelium are surrounded by blood capillaries must stay open to insure that oxygen can turn into carbon dioxide when it exits the body. 

 

There are many different types of respiratory volumes, these include:  tidal volume (when we are relaxed = 500 ml), inspiratory reserve volume (beyond 2, 900 ml caused by forced inspiration), expiratory reserve volume (1, 400 ml caused by contracting the muscles), and residual volume ( about 1, 000 ml which remains in the alveoli).

 

To understand the process of ventilation you must be aware of certain conditions which include:

1.  The lungs lie within the sealed-off thoracic cavity.

2. The lungs adhere to the thoracic wall by way of the pleura.

3. A continuous column of air extends from the pharynx to the alveoli of the lungs.

 

The respiratory system functions by ventilation, inspiration, and expiration.  You must be able to control the ventilation by nervous input and chemical input.

 

Dangers

á      Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome

á      Tonsillitis

á      Lung Cancer

á      Sinusitis

á      Otitis Media

á      Laryngities

á      Acute bronchitis

á      Pneumoniea

á      Pulmonary tuberculosis

á      Restrictive pulmonary disorders

á      Chronic bronchitis

á      Emphysema

á      Asthma

 

Aging has a great effect on the respiratory system.  Respiratory fitness will decrease with age.  Your maximum breathing capacity will decline and the likeliness of fatigue may increase.  Muscles will weaken causing change in the inspiration and expiration aspects of the system.  Gas exchange in the lungs will become less efficient.  Respiratory diseases may be more prevalent in older people.