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Introspection

Respiratory System

The respiratory

Unit 17 Synopsis

Affixes/Roots

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Prefixes

  1. Broncho- – Related to the bronchi (e.g., bronchitis)

  2. Pneumo- – Related to air or lungs (e.g., pneumothorax)

  3. Pulmo- – Related to the lungs (e.g., pulmonary)

  4. Laryngo- – Related to the larynx (e.g., laryngitis)

  5. Tracheo- – Related to the trachea (e.g., tracheotomy)

  6. Nas(o)- – Related to the nose (e.g., nasal)

  7. Pharyng(o)- – Related to the pharynx (e.g., pharyngitis)

  8. Pleuro- – Related to the pleura (e.g., pleurisy)

  9. Capno- – Related to carbon dioxide (e.g., hypercapnia)

  10. Spir(o)- – Related to breathing (e.g., spirometry)

Roots

  1. -oxia – Related to oxygen (e.g., hypoxia)

  2. -capnia – Related to carbon dioxide (e.g., hypercapnia)

  3. -phonia – Related to voice (e.g., dysphonia)

  4. -pnea – Related to breathing (e.g., apnea)

  5. -thorax – Related to the chest cavity (e.g., pneumothorax)

  6. -meter – A measuring device (e.g., spirometer)

  7. -itis – Inflammation (e.g., bronchitis)

  8. -ectomy – Surgical removal (e.g., laryngectomy)

  9. -scopy – Examination using a scope (e.g., bronchoscopy)

  10. -algia – Pain (e.g., pleurodynia)

Suffixes

  1. -ostomy – Creating an artificial opening (e.g., tracheostomy)

  2. -otomy – Cutting into (e.g., thoracotomy)

  3. -gram – A recording (e.g., spirogram)

  4. -graphy – The process of recording (e.g., angiography)

  5. -genic – Producing or causing (e.g., pathogenic)

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Respiratory System Overview

The respiratory system is responsible for the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the body and the environment. It consists of several structures that work together to ensure efficient breathing and gas exchange.

Major Components

  1. Nose and Nasal Cavity

    • Function: Warms, moistens, and filters the air entering the respiratory system.

    • Structure: Lined with mucous membranes and cilia to trap dust and pathogens.

  2. Pharynx (Throat)

    • Function: Passageway for air and food; aids in sound production.

    • Divisions: Nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

  3. Larynx (Voice Box)

    • Function: Produces sound; protects the trachea against food aspiration.

    • Structure: Contains the vocal cords and is made up of cartilage, including the thyroid cartilage (Adam's apple).

  4. Trachea (Windpipe)

    • Function: Provides a clear airway for air to enter and exit the lungs.

    • Structure: A tube supported by C-shaped cartilage rings to prevent collapse.

  5. Bronchi and Bronchioles

    • Function: Conduct air from the trachea into the lungs.

    • Structure: The trachea divides into two primary bronchi (one for each lung), which further divide into smaller bronchi and bronchioles.

  6. Lungs

    • Function: Main organs of respiration where gas exchange occurs.

    • Structure: Each lung is divided into lobes (three in the right lung, two in the left lung). The lungs contain alveoli, tiny air sacs where gas exchange takes place.

  7. Alveoli

    • Function: Site of gas exchange between the air and the blood.

    • Structure: Tiny, balloon-like structures surrounded by capillaries. The walls are one cell thick to facilitate diffusion of gases.

Mechanics of Breathing

  1. Inhalation (Inspiration)

    • Process: Diaphragm contracts and moves downward, intercostal muscles contract to expand the chest cavity, reducing pressure inside the lungs and drawing air in.

    • Result: Air flows into the lungs due to the pressure difference.

  2. Exhalation (Expiration)

    • Process: Diaphragm relaxes and moves upward, intercostal muscles relax, decreasing the chest cavity's volume and increasing pressure inside the lungs, pushing air out.

    • Result: Air is expelled from the lungs.

Gas Exchange

  1. Oxygen Transport

    • Process: Oxygen from inhaled air diffuses through the alveolar walls into the capillaries and binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells.

    • Result: Oxygen is transported to body tissues via the bloodstream.

  2. Carbon Dioxide Removal

    • Process: Carbon dioxide produced by cellular metabolism diffuses from the blood into the alveoli and is expelled during exhalation.

    • Result: Carbon dioxide is removed from the body.

Regulation of Breathing

  1. Medulla Oblongata and Pons

    • Function: Control the rate and depth of breathing.

    • Mechanism: Respond to changes in blood pH, carbon dioxide, and oxygen levels.

  2. Chemoreceptors

    • Location: Located in the carotid bodies and aortic bodies.

    • Function: Detect changes in blood pH and gas levels, sending signals to the brain to adjust breathing rate.

Common Respiratory Disorders

  1. Asthma

    • Description: Chronic condition characterized by airway inflammation and constriction.

    • Symptoms: Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

  2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

    • Description: Group of diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.

    • Symptoms: Persistent cough, mucus production, and difficulty breathing.

  3. Pneumonia

    • Description: Infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.

    • Symptoms: Cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

  4. Lung Cancer

    • Description: Uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs.

    • Symptoms: Persistent cough, chest pain, weight loss, and coughing up blood.

Image by Solen Feyissa
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