CQRG SPRING/2024 Medical Terminology Bootcamp
SESSION 11 / INTRODUCTION TO THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
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Introduction to the Respiratory System
The lungs are the main organs of the respiratory system.
The respiratory system is vital to receive oxygen and rid the body of carbon dioxide. It’s primary role is to supply oxygen to the body's tissues for cellular respiration, eliminate carbon dioxide waste, and assist in maintaining the acid-base equilibrium.
Key term: cellular respiration
process whereby cells acquire energy from glucose and other organic molecules in the presence of oxygen
Major Functions of the Respiratory System
The main function of the respiratory system is to breathe in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide.
By transporting blood to and from the lungs, the circulatory system (Medical Terminology Lesson 9) supports the respiratory system. The circulation helps carry nutrients and oxygen from the lungs to all of the tissues and organs in the body. Additionally, it aids in removing toxins and carbon dioxide. The immune system, lymphatic system, and neurological system are additional body systems that work conjunction with the respiratory system.
Key term: carbon dioxide
chemical compound (CO2 ); colorless gas;
byproduct of human metabolism
Features of the Respiratory System
Oral Cavity
Nose and linked air passages referred to as the nasal cavity and the sinuses
Larynx (a.k.a. “voice box”)
The trachea or, “windpipe”
Bronchi
Smaller tubes called bronchioles that branch from the bronchial tubes
Alveoli (tiny air sacs at the end of bronchioles)
Pleura (both lungs are surrounded by this membrane with two layers)
These features form the airway that brings the oxygen-rich air from the environment to the alveoli in the lungs. The airway also provides an exit for carbon dioxide from the body.
Core Functions of the Respiratory System
Breathing
Gas Exchange
The respiratory system is responsible for introducing oxygen into the body, which is crucial for the normal operation of cells and organs.
Carbon dioxide removal; the respiratory system expels carbon dioxide, which is a byproduct of cellular metabolism.
The body's acid-base balance is assisted by the respiratory system through the removal of extra hydrogen ions and the maintenance of optimal pH levels.
Speech and phonation; the respiratory system controls airflow through the vocal cords to create sound and speech.
Safety; the respiratory system safeguards the body by filtering the air inhaled, removing harmful particles and germs to protect the lungs from pathogens.
Gas Exchange
The alveoli are the site of gas exchange in the lungs.
The alveoli, or tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles, are surrounded by a network of capillaries. These capillaries connect to arteries and veins that transport blood throughout the human body.
One artery of note is the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary artery (and its branches) bring blood to the capillaries around the alveoli. The blood they bring is low in oxygen and rich in carbon dioxide.
Remember, the alveoli are the site of gas exchange. This “exchange” occurs as oxygen-depleted blood travels through the pulmonary capillaries that encircle them. The carbon dioxide easily passes from the blood into the alveoli through diffusion. A concentration gradient drives the process.
The body releases the carbon dioxide to the environment through the mouth and nose as it is exhaled. At the same time, oxygen from the air enters the small blood vessels in the lungs and attaches to hemoglobin in the red blood cells.
Key term: diffusion
movement of ions, molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration;
driven by a gradient
Key term: hemoglobin
iron-containing protein of the blood that transports oxygen to the tissues;
vital component of red blood cells
Hemoglobin
The hemoglobin molecule assists in the transport of oxygen throughout the body.
Hemoglobin is a protein containing iron. This molecule is found within the red blood cells (erythrocytes) of vertebrates where it functions to transport oxygen from the lungs to all tissues and organs. Hemoglobin creates a temporary and unstable connection with oxygen, enabling the release of oxygen to the tissues when necessary.
Each hemoglobin molecule contains four heme groups. Heme is made up of a ringlike organic compound with an attached iron atom. The iron atom is what attaches oxygen while the blood moves from the lungs to the tissues. When in this oxygenated form, it appears as oxyhemoglobin and has a bright red color; when in the reduced form, it appears as purplish blue.
Hemoglobin is produced in the bone marrow cells that eventually transform into red blood cells. When red blood cells expire, their hemoglobin is divided: the iron is saved, carried to the bone marrow and reused, making new red blood cells; the rest of the hemoglobin becomes bilirubin, which is released in the bile and causes the yellow-brown color of stool.
Assessment
Patient-care providers should be educated in comprehensive respiratory assessment.*
When a patient exhales, their diaphragm and rib muscles should relax, decreasing the size of the chest cavity. As the chest cavity decreases in size, the lungs contract. Air filled with carbon dioxide is exhaled, passing through the windpipe and exiting the nose or mouth.
Exhalation should be effortless, unless the patient has a lung condition or is engaged in physical exertion.
Every authorized patient-care provider should be educated in comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a cursory evaluation, gathering patient history (be sure to inquire about smoking history), visual examination, palpation, auscultation, and any additional testing. A thorough evaluation helps determine patient well-being or the seriousness of any illness that may be present and treatment interventions to be started.
*This course only provides a basic medical terminology introduction/study experience and is NOT intended to provide comprehensive training in respiratory assessment.
Helpful Videos:
Recommended Reading (Optional)
Textbook
Medical Terminology for Healthcare Professions, Katherine Greene and Andrea Nelson
The Respiratory System Crossword Activity
Use the lesson materials above to complete our latest medical terminology crossword puzzle!
Access the free pdf here:
Clinical Quick Reference Guides Respiratory System Crossword Puzzle