Respiratory SystemDouglas Todey

FunctionsThe main function is to deliver oxygen to the

bloodThe four main functions can be described

with the acronym VEEMVentilate the lungsExtract oxygen from the air and transfer it to

the bloodstreamExcrete carbon dioxide and water vapor from

the lungsMaintain the acid base consistency of the

blood

Characteristics of AlveoliThe primary gas exchange units of the lungThe exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen happen in

the alveoliOxygen diffuses through the walls of the alveoli into

the red blood cells. The oxygen is then carried by the blood to the body tissues.

Carbon dioxide produced by the body returns to the lung

via the blood. It then diffuses across the capillary and alveolar walls into the air to be removed from the body

Characteristics of AlveoliAlveoli have a specialized structure that

optimizes gas transferExtremely thin wallsA large surface area to volume ratio allowing for gases to flow across the membrane easilyThey’re lined with fluid enabling gases to

dissolve.Surrounded by numerous capillaries that carry

oxygen into the blood and bring carbon dioxide back to be respirated out

Oxygen TransportationOxygen combines with hemoglobin in red

blood cells forming a compound called oxy-hemoglobin

When the oxy-hemoglobin hits the tissue, it breaks up releasing most of its oxygen

Approximately 3% of oxygen dissolves in the blood plasma and enters the tissue by

diffusion

CO2 TransportationCarbon dioxide is transported back to the alveoli by

diffusing through the tissue fluids and then moving with the blood back to the lungs

Carbon dioxide is transported in three compounds:Carbonic Acid – approximately 10% of dissolved CO2 in

the bloodBicarbonates of Sodium and Potassium – approximately 80% of the dissolved CO2 in plasmaCarbominohemoglobin – approximately 10% of dissolved CO2 in the blood

Oxygen: From Breath to Blood1. Oxygen enters the body through the mouth and

nose2. The oxygen then passes through the trachea and

the larynx3. Once in the chest cavity, the trachea splits into two

bronchi4. Which then divides again into the bronchial tubes5. The bronchial tubes lead into the lungs where they

divide into smaller and smaller tubes where they connect to the alveoli

6. The alveoli then transfer the oxygen through their outer membrane and into the hemoglobin found in red blood cells

Ventilation System

Inhalation and ExhalationInhalation is a result of two body processes

1. The intercostal (rib) muscles expand outward2. The diaphragm expands downward away from the lungs

The result of both of these happening simultaneously creates a low pressure area in the chest cavity so air from the higher pressure outside the body rushes into the body.

Exhalation is just the reverse process of inhalation The intercostal muscles contract and the diaphragm

expands upward into the lungs This creates a higher pressure than outside the body, so the

air in the lungs is forced out and you exhale

AsthmaApproximately 10 million people, 10% of

Americans, have asthma, which kills 4,000 people per year

Asthma is hypersensitivity of the respiratory system airways, and when triggered constricts the airways. This then constricts the airflow and causes trouble breathing.

Signs of asthma include wheezing and shortness of breath

The two main treatments for asthma are bronchodialators that expand the bronchial tubes, and anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the inflammation of the airways

Lung CancerThe National Cancer Institute estimates

226,160 new cases of lung cancer in 2012, which will kill 160,340 people

Lung cancer is cancer that forms in the tissue of the lung. The two types are Small Cell and Non-Small Cell.

Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, and coughing up blood

Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or any combination of the three

Referenceshttp://

www.ambulancetechnicianstudy.co.uk/respsystem.html

http://www.curoservice.com/parents_visitors/lungs_circulation/structure_alveoli.asp#

http://www.preservearticles.com/201102264268/transport-of-oxygen-and-carbon-dioxide-through-blood-during-respiration.html

http://www.nsbri.org/humanphysspace/focus2/respiratory.html

http://respiratory-supplies.medical-supplies-equipment-company.com/PPF/page_ID/62/article.asp

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/lung