Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. CHAPTER 12 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

CHAPTER 12

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM


Structure and Function

• 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


Figure 12-2 Mechanics of Breathing


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

• Rate– The normal rate of respiration varies with

age, gender, posture, exercise, temperature, and other factors

• Character– Respirations should have a regular rhythm,

occurring at regular intervals

• Sounds– Breath sounds can be heard by using a

stethoscope


Assessment Techniques (continued)

• Lung volume– The amount of air that can be brought into

the lungs is called respiratory capacity

• Blood gases– Studies measure how much oxygen (O2) and

carbon dioxide (CO2) are in the blood, the blood's pH and other gases


Figure 12-3 Respiratory Capacity


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


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



• 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



• 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



• 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



• 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



• 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



• 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

– Secondhand smoke– “Smokeless” tobacco– Heart disease and cancer

• Environmental health risks– Sick building syndrome– Asbestos– Berylliosis– Black lung disease

Documents

Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. CHAPTER 12 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM