What is the physiology of the respiratory system?

Respiratory physiology is characterized by two linked processes, oxygenation and ventilation. Oxygenation refers to the addition of oxygen (O 2) to the blood stream from the air, which is typically at a concentration of 21%, also known as the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO 2).

What are the two physiological zones of the respiratory system?

The respiratory system, functionally, can be separated in two zones; conducting zones (nose to bronchioles) form a path for conduction of the inhaled gases and respiratory zone (alveolar duct to alveoli) where the gas exchange takes place.

What are 4 major physiological functions of the respiratory system?

The functions of the respiratory system include gas exchange, acid-base balance, phonation, pulmonary defense and metabolism, and the handling of bioactive materials.

What are the 4 respiratory zone structures?

Such structures include the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and most of the bronchial tree. The respiratory zone includes all the organs and structures that are directly involved in gas exchange, including the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli.

Why respiratory physiology is important?

Understanding respiratory physiology can aid the practitioner in diagnosing the cause of respiratory symptoms. The main goals of respiration are oxygen uptake and elimination of carbon dioxide. Secondary goals include acid-base buffering, hormonal regulation, and host defense.

What sequence does exhale air flow through the respiratory structures?

First air enters to nose through nostrils. There are two nasal cavities in which hair and mucus are present. Here air is filtered and its temperature changes according to body temperature. Then air passes through pharynx where germs are removed and air moves to larynx then trachea.

What are the respiratory zones?

The respiratory zone corresponds to the lung parenchyma and includes the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli. The conducting tract consists of airways that transport gases into and out of the lungs and includes the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.

What are the 5 major parts of the respiratory system?

These are the parts:

  • Nose.
  • Mouth.
  • Throat (pharynx)
  • Voice box (larynx)
  • Windpipe (trachea)
  • Large airways (bronchi)
  • Small airways (bronchioles)
  • Lungs.

What is the most basic function of respiratory?

The lungs are the foundational organs of the respiratory system, whose most basic function is to facilitate gas exchange from the environment into the bloodstream. Oxygen gets transported through the alveoli into the capillary network, where it can enter the arterial system, ultimately to perfuse tissue.

What are the 10 parts of the respiratory system?

Respiratory system

  • Nose.
  • Mouth.
  • Throat (pharynx)
  • Voice box (larynx)
  • Windpipe (trachea)
  • Large airways (bronchi)
  • Small airways (bronchioles)
  • Lungs.

What is the cross sectional physiology of the lung?

Cross-sectional physiology of the lung. It is well known that gravity influences the physiology of the lung and thereby affects the intrapulmonary localization of disease processes. Less well known are the anatomic and physiologic differences in the axial or cross-sectional plane, which also affect the distribution of disease.

How is structure related to function in respiratory system?

Respiratory structures are disrupted by disease, and the oft-repeated aphorism ‘structure is related to function’ is never more applicable than in the respiratory system in health and disease. Study of its structure considerably eases understanding of how the respiratory system works.

What are the anatomic and physiologic differences in the axial plane?

Less well known are the anatomic and physiologic differences in the axial or cross-sectional plane, which also affect the distribution of disease. Physiologic gradients in ventilation, perfusion, and lymph flow and stresses in the lung are present in the axial plane.

How is the alveolus optimised for gas exchange?

The alveolus is optimised for gas exchange: 1 Spherical shape maximises surface area to volume ratio 2 Total surface area of lung alveoli is 50-100m2 3 Alveolar walls are extremely thin (0.2-0.3μm) Consequently, they are fragile and can be damaged by increases in capillary pressure