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The respiratory system is intimately connected to the cardiovascular system. Together, they work to supply all body cells with oxygen and dispose of metabolic end products such as carbon dioxide.
Neither system can function alone, thus making them one of the most important homeostatic teams in the body.
In the first section of this chapter, the anatomy of the respiratory system is outlined. The nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles are discussed first. It is noted that in addition to being conducting zone structures that allow air to reach the lungs, these organs also purify, humidify, and warm incoming air. The lungs are presented next, including a review of their basic structure and position. The respiratory zone structures, comprised of the bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, and alveoli within the lungs, are the actual sites of external respiratory gas exchange. An explanation of the role of the respiratory membrane in this exchange of gases through simple diffusion is provided.
The next section of this chapter presents respiratory physiology and the mechanics of ventilation. Pulmonary ventilation, inspiration, and expiration are all described. The ventilatory volumes are outlined, including tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, expiratory reserve volume, residual volume, and vital capacity. Differences between external respiration, which is the actual exchange of gases between the alveoli and the blood, and internal respiration, which is the exchange of gases between the systemic capillaries and the tissues, are explored. The factors involved in control of respiration are also described, including neural regulation, volition, emotional, and chemical factors.
The final section of this chapter explores respiratory disorders not previously presented in the chapter. Common respiratory conditions, such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, asthma, sinusitis, pleurisy, and many others, are discussed.
I.
FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM (pp. 426–434)
A.
The Nose (pp. 426–428)
1.
Nostrils (external nares)
2.
Nasal Cavity
3.
Nasal Septum
4.
Palate a.
Hard Palate b.
Soft Palate
5.
Paranasal Sinuses a.
Sinusitis
B.
Pharynx (pp. 428–429)
1.
Nasopharynx
2.
Oropharynx
3.
Laryngopharynx
4.
Pharyngeal Tonsil (Adenoid) a.
Tonsillitis
5.
Palatine Tonsils
6.
Lingual Tonsils
C.
The Larynx (p. 429)

1.
Thyroid Cartilage (Adam's Apple)
2.
Epiglottis
3.
Vocal Cords
4.
Glottis
D.
Trachea (pp. 429–430)
1.
Hyaline cartilage
2.
Esophagus
3.
Heimlich maneuver
4.
Ciliated mucosa a.
Smoker’s cough
E.
Main Bronchi (p. 430)
F.
Lungs (pp. 430–434)
1.
Mediastinum
2.
Apex
3.
Base
4.
Visceral Pleura
5.
Parietal Pleura
6.
Pleural space a.
Pleurisy
7.
Bronchioles
8.
Alveoli
9.
Respiratory zone
10.
Conducting zone
11.
Alveolar Ducts and Sacs
12.
The Respiratory Membrane (air-blood barrier)
II.
RESPIRATORY PHYSIOLOGY (pp. 434–445)
A.
Mechanics of Breathing (pp. 434–436; Figure 13.7)
1.
Inspiration a.
Diaphragm
2.
Expiration
3.
Intrapleural pressure a.
Atelectasis b.
Pneumothorax
4.
Nonrespiratory Air Movements (Table 13.1)
B.
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities (pp. 436–437)
1.
Tidal volume (TV)
2.
Inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)
3.
Expiratory reserve volume (ERV)
4.
Residual volume (RV)
5.
Vital capacity (VC)
6.
Dead space volume
C.
Respiratory Sounds (pp. 437–438)
1.
Bronchial sounds
2.
Vesicular breathing sounds
D.
External Respiration, Gas Transport, and Internal Respiration (pp. 438–440)
1.
External Respiration
2.
Gas Transport in the Blood (Figure 13.10) a.
Oxyhemoglobin b.
Bicarbonate ion c.
Impaired oxygen transport
3.
Internal Respiration
E.
Control of Respiration (pp. 440–445)

1.
Neural Regulation: Setting the Basic Rhythm a.
Phrenic nerve b.
Intercostal nerves c.
Eupnea d.
Hyperpnea
2.
Factors Influencing Respiratory Rate and Depth a.
Physical Factors b.
Volition (Conscious Control) c.
Emotional Factors d.
Chemical Factors
III.
RESPIRATORY DISORDERS (pp. 445–446)
A.
Lung Cancer (p. 445)
B.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (pp. 445–446)
1.
Chronic Bronchitis a.
Dyspnea
2.
Emphysema
IV.
DEVELOPMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM (pp. 446–449)
A.
Surfactant
B.
Infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS)
C.
Cystic fibrosis
D.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
E.
Asthma
F.
Sleep apnea