An Introduction to the Respiratory System

Functions
The respiratory system delivers air containing oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide, the gaseous waste product of metabolism. Secondary function are sound production, laughing, crying, sneezing, coughing.
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Organization
Respiratory system has 2 portions
Conducting portion
External nose, nasal cavity Pharynx & Larynx Trachea Bronchi and bronchioles

Respiratory portion
Lung ( respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ductules, alveolar sac, alveoli )
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Pharynx
Pharynx is the part of the digestive system posterior to nasal and oral cavity, extending inferiorly pass the larynx.

Shared by digestive and respiratory systems

Fibro-muscular chamber, 15 cm long

Superior : base of skull

Inferior : inferior border of C6 vertebra posteriorly.
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Pharynx
Pharynx is divided into 3 parts. Nasopharynx Oropharynx

Laryngopharynx
Fibro-muscular chamber, 15 cm long Superior : base of skull Inferior : inferior border of C6 vertebra posteriorly.
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Larynx
In the anterior neck at the level of the bodies of C3 through

C6 vertebrae.
The phonating mechanism Connects the inferior part of the pharynx with the trachea Guards the air passages Laryngeal skeleton :
The thyroid cartilage The cricoid cartilage

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Thoracic cavity and viscera

The thoracic cavity has 3 divisions or compartments : Two lateral compartments : The pulmonary cavity A central compartment : The mediastinum

Mediastinum extends from the superior thoracic

apertura to the diaphragm

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Pleura
Each lung is invested by and enclosed in a serous pleural sac that consist of two continous membrane. Visceral pleura Parietal pleura Pleural cavity The potential space between the layers of pleura

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The respiratory system

Structure
Nasal cavity

Major function
Filters, warms, moistens incoming air; passages to pharynx

Paranasal sinuses
Pharynx

Produce mucus, resonators for sound, lighten skull

Passageway for air between nose and larynx and for food from mouth to esophagus Passageway for air between pharynx and rest of respiratory tract, produces sound, protects trachea from foreign objects Passageway for air to and from thoracic cavity, traps and expels foreign mater Intro to Respiratory System
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Larynx
Trachea

The respiratory system

Structure
Diaphragm

Major function
Enlarges thoracic cavity to allow for inspiration, return to original position for expiration

Bronchi
Bronchioles

Passages for air to and from lungs, filer air

Passages for air to and alveoli Site of gas exchange. Functional unit of lungs Major respiratory organs

Alveoli
Lungs

Pleurae

Protect, compartmentalize, and lubricant outer surface of the lungs, enclose pleural cavity Intro to Respiratory System

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