Freelance Writing Jobs | Today's Articles | Sign In

The Respiratory (Pulmonary) System

More Than the Breath We Breathe

Jul 13, 2009 Linda Mundorff

The respiratory system is one of twelve organized body systems, which provides every cell with oxygen, and a means of removing carbon dioxide, a byproduct of respiration.

The respiratory system furnishes the mechanism for breathing. Inhaled air into the lungs provides oxygen that is absorbed into the blood and transported to every cell in the body. Exhaled air consists of carbon dioxide a byproduct of respiration.

Components

The major components of the respiratory system are:

nostrils (nose)
mouth (air can enter mouth when needed)
sinuses
nasopharynx
oropharynx
pharynx (throat)
larynx (voicebox)
glottis
trachea (windpipe)
bronchi
bronchioles
terminal bronchioles
Alveoli Sacs

Accessory Organ

The diaphragm, which separates the chest from the abdomen, is an accessory organ located outside this system. Its function is two fold: to expand the lungs during inhalation, and decompress the lungs during exhalation.

Mechanism

The air we breathe must transverse a number of pathways before it can be utilized by the body. Air enters the nostrils, filtration occurs in the nasal cavity, and the sinuses moisten and warm the air.

The prepared air passes through another filtering section, the tonsils. The tonsils trap microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, where specialized white blood cells destroy them.

At this point, the air is safe to move through the rest of the system. It joins the nasal-oral pharynx, passes down into the pharynx, and meets with the larynx (voice box) and glottis. The larynx and glottis both ensure that air moves into the upper passages of the airways rather than down into the esophagus (food pipe).

The trachea, which is located in front of the esophagus, guides the air from the larynx into the right and left bronchi (opening into the lungs). From this point on the air transverses through major branches of the bronchi (secondary and tertiary), and just like a tree, the branches feed into smaller tiers called bronchioles.

Upon entering the terminal bronchioles, the air reaches the alveoli sacs where the exchange of gases takes place: removal of carbon dioxide, and absorption of oxygen. Systemic transportation of the oxygen occurs through the bloodstream to all cells.

Respiratory Problems

There are many conditions that can effect the lungs and corresponding tissues:

allergies
common cold
flu
pneumonia
bronchitis
asthma
emphysema
cystic fibrosis
lung cancer

Classifications

Conditions of the respiratory system are classified as either upper (above the lungs) or lower (into the lungs) respiratory problems. Examples of upper respiratory problems are the common cold and allergies. Lower respiratory problems like emphysema and asthma are obviously more concerning and have life-changing effects.

For example, emphysema, which destroys the elastic abilities of the alveoli sacs, results in chronic breathing problems and the need for supplemental oxygen. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD) is a classification used when an individual chronically suffers from two or more respiratory conditions.

Treatments

Treatments vary greatly depending on the type of ailments from over-the-counter (OTC) preparations like saline sprays and antihistamines to more aggressive treatments like nebulizers and oxygen supplementation. Saline sprays are an excellent and non-invasive way to irrigate and maintain a moist and comfortable nasal environment.

Most OTC cold remedies offer relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of the cold and not a cure for the ailment. A cold will run its course within 7-14 days whether a person uses palliative treatments or not. However, illnesses caused by bacterial infections must be treated with prescription antibiotics. Left untreated, these conditions can worsen, and cause damage to lung tissue.

In conclusion, the respiratory system is responsible for every breath a person takes. There are a number of conditions that have debilitating effects on the lungs and corresponding organs, which can become chronic and life changing. Treatment modalities vary from OTC remedies to more aggressive and challenging interventions.

The copyright of the article The Respiratory (Pulmonary) System in General Medicine is owned by Linda Mundorff. Permission to republish The Respiratory (Pulmonary) System in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Organs of the Respiratory System