RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

The respiratory system (called also respiratory apparatus, ventilatory

system) is a biological system consisting of specific organs and structures
used for the process of respiration in an organism. The respiratory system is
involved in the intake and exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between
an organism and the environment.
In air-breathing vertebrates like human beings, respiration takes place in the
respiratory organs called lungs. The passage of air into the lungs to supply
the body with oxygen is known as inhalation, and the passage of air out of
the lungs to expel carbon dioxide is known as exhalation; this process is
collectively called breathing or ventilation. In humans and other mammals,
the anatomical features of the respiratory system include trachea, bronchi,
bronchioles, lungs, and diaphragm.
PARTS OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Lungs
The lungs are the main organs of the respiratory system. In the lungs
oxygen is taken into the body and carbon dioxide is breathed out. The red
blood cells are responsible for picking up the oxygen in the lungs and
carrying the oxygen to all the body cells that need it. The red blood cells drop
off the oxygen to the body cells, then pick up the carbon dioxide which is a
waste gas product produced by our cells. The red blood cells transport the
carbon dioxide back to the lungs and we breathe it out when we exhale.
Trachea
The trachea (TRAY-kee-uh} is sometimes called the windpipe. The trachea
filters the air we breathe and branches into the bronchi.
Bronchi
The bronchi (BRAHN-ky) are two air tubes that branch off of the trachea
and carry air directly into the lungs.
Diaphragm
Breathing starts with a dome-shaped muscle at the bottom of the lungs
called the diaphragm (DY-uh-fram). When you breathe in, the diaphragm
contracts. When it contracts it flattens out and pulls downward. This
movement enlarges the space that the lungs are in. This larger space pulls
air into the lungs. When you breathe out, the diaphragm expands reducing
the amount of space for the lungs and forcing air out. The diaphragm is the
main muscle used in breathing.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES

Pneumoconiosis literally, an abnormal condition of dust in the lungs. A

generic name for conditions where toxic particles become trapped in the
lungs and cause symptoms and disability such a black lung or miners
lung disease. Terms specific to the particulate matter may be given such as
asbestosis.

Cystic fibrosis an inheritable disease that affects not only the lungs but
other systems producing mucous such as the digestive system. Patients
suffer frequent lung infections that are hard to treat because mucous is thick
and sluggish and result in increased scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs. They also
take multiple enzyme pills because of digestive abnormalities related to
abnormal mucous production.
Emphysema (COPD) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, of which
emphysema is one of, results in progressive destruction of the air sacs in the
lungs and loss of respiratory membrane for oxygen exchange. The bane of
long term smokers.
Pulmonologist a physician specializing in diseases of the lungs. Patients
needing surgery are referred to a general surgeon.
Endotracheal intubation passing a special air-tube into the trachea so
oxygen can be reliably supplied directly to the lungs without risk of inhaling
vomit from the stomach. Typically done for surgery or whenever general
anesthesia is administered among other situations where the patients
airway must be secured.