Anatomy of The Respiratory System

ANATOMY on
The Respiratory System
JAY P. JAZUL, RPh, MSc.,CPS

University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Pharmacy
Copyright 2010, John Wiley &
Sons, Inc.
Respiration: Three Major

Steps
1.
Pulmonary ventilation
Moving air in and out of lungs
2. External respiration
Gas exchange between alveoli and blood
3. Internal respiration
Gas exchange between blood and cells

Sons, Inc.
Organs of the Respiratory
Upper respiratory system

System
Nose and pharynx
Lower respiratory system
Trachea, larynx, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs

Sons, Inc.
Respiratory System
Consists of the respiratory and conducting

zones
Respiratory zone
Site of gas exchange

Consists of bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and
alveoli
Chapter 22, Respiratory System
Respiratory System
Conducting zone
Provides rigid conduits for air to reach the sites of

gas exchange
Includes all other respiratory structures (e.g.,
nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, trachea)
Respiratory muscles diaphragm and other

muscles that promote ventilation
Major Functions of the

Respiratory System
To supply the body with oxygen and dispose

of carbon dioxide
Respiration four distinct processes must
happen
Pulmonary ventilation moving air into and out of

the lungs
External respiration gas exchange between the
lungs and the blood
Major Functions of the

Respiratory System
Transport transport of oxygen and carbon

dioxide between the lungs and tissues
Internal respiration gas exchange between
systemic blood vessels and tissues

Sons, Inc.
Organs of the Respiratory

System

Sons, Inc.
Upper Respiratory System:

Structure
Nose
External nares nasal cavity internal nares

Nasal septum divides nose into two sides
Nasal conchae covered by mucous membrane
Functions
Warm, humidify, filter/trap dust and microbes
Mucus and cilia of epithelial cells lining nose
Detect olfactory stimuli

Modify vocal sounds
Sons, Inc.
NASAL CAVITY

Sons, Inc.
Nasal Cavity
Vestibule nasal cavity superior to the nares
Vibrissae hairs that filter coarse particles from

inspired air
Olfactory mucosa
Lines the superior nasal cavity

Contains smell receptors
12
Nasal Cavity
Respiratory mucosa
Lines the balance of the nasal cavity

Glands secrete mucus containing lysozyme and
defensins to help destroy bacteria
13
Pharynx
Known as the throat
Structure
Funnel-shaped tube from internal nares to larynx 3

parts
Three regions (with tonsils in the upper two)
Upper: nasopharynx; posterior to nose
Middle: oropharynx; posterior to mouth
Adenoids and openings of auditory (Eustachian) tubes

Palatine and lingual tonsils are here
Lower: laryngeal pharynx
Connects with both esophagus and larynx: food and air

Sons, Inc.

Pharynx

Sons, Inc.
Respiratory System: Head

and Neck

Sons, Inc.
Lower Respiratory System:

Larynx
Voice box
Made largely of cartilage
Thyroid cartilage: V-shaped
Epiglottis: leaf-shaped piece; covers airway
Adam's apple: projects more anteriorly in males

Vocal cords strung here (and to arytenoids)
During swallowing, larynx moves up so epiglottis covers
opening into trachea
Cricoid cartilage: inferior most portion

Arytenoids (paired, small) superior to cricoid

Sons, Inc.

Larynx

Sons, Inc.

Larynx

Sons, Inc.
Voice Production
Mucous membrane of larynx forms two pairs

of folds
Upper = false vocal cords

Lower = true vocal cords
Contain elastic ligaments
When muscles pull elastic ligaments tight, vocal
cords vibrate sounds in upper airways
Pitch adjusted by tension of true vocal cords
Lower pitch of male voice
Vocal cords longer and thicker; vibrate more

slowly
Sons, Inc.
Larynx

Sons, Inc.

Trachea
Windpipe
Location
Structure
Anterior to esophagus and thoracic vertebrae

Extends from end of larynx to primary bronchi
Lined with pseudostratified ciliated mucous
membrane: traps and moves dust upward
C-shaped rings of cartilage support trachea, keep
lumen open during exhalation
Tracheostomy: opening in trachea for tube

Sons, Inc.
Lower Respiratory System: Bronchi,

Bronchioles
Structure of bronchial tree
Bronchi contain cartilage rings

Primary bronchi enter the lungs medially
In lungs, branching secondary bronchi
One for each lobe of lung: 3 in right, 2 in left
Tertiary bronchi terminal bronchioles
These smaller airways
Have less cartilage, more smooth muscle. In

asthma, these airways can close.
Can be bronchodilated by sympathetic nerves,
epinephrine, or related medications .
Sons, Inc.

Two lungs: left and right
Lungs
Right lung has 3 lobes

Left lung has 2 lobes and cardiac notch
Lungs surrounded by pleural membrane
Parietal pleura attached to diaphragm and lining

thoracic wall
Visceral pleura attached to lungs
Pleural cavity with little fluid between pleurae
Broad bottom of lungs = base; pointy top = apex
Sons, Inc.
Lung Lobes
Divided into lobules fed by tertiary bronchi

Further divisions terminal bronchioles
Respiratory bronchioles
Lined with nonciliated epithelium
Alveolar ducts
Alveolar sacs
Surrounded by alveoli

Sons, Inc.
Lung Lobes

Sons, Inc.

Alveoli
Cup-shaped outpouchings of alveolar sacs
Alveoli: composed of three types of cells
Lined with thin alveolar cells (simple squamous);

sites of gas exchange
Scattered surfactant-secreting cells. Surfactant:
Lowers surface tension (keeps alveoli from collapsing)

Humidifies (keeps alveoli from drying out)
Alveolar macrophages: cleaners
Respiratory membrane: alveoli + capillary
Gases diffuse across these thin epithelial layers:

air blood
Sons, Inc.
Lobule of the Lung

Sons, Inc.
Lobule of the Lung

Sons, Inc.
Structure of an Alveolus

Sons, Inc.
Respiration Step: 1. Pulmonary

Ventilation
Air flows: atmosphere lungs due to

difference in pressure related to lung volume
Inhalation: diaphragm + external intercostals
Lung volume changes due to respiratory muscles

Diaphragm contracts (moves downward) lung
volume
Cohesion between parietal-visceral pleura

lung volume as thorax volume .

Sons, Inc.
Exhalation
Exhalation is normally passive process due

to muscle relaxation
Diaphragm relaxes and rises lung volume

External intercostals relax lung volume
Active exhalation: exhale forcefully
Example: playing wind instrument

Uses additional muscles: internal intercostals,
abdominal muscles

Sons, Inc.
Muscles of Inhalation and

Exhalation

Sons, Inc.
Muscles of Inhalation and

Exhalation

Sons, Inc.
Volume-Pressure Changes in
Lungs
Volume and pressure are inversely related
As lung volume alveolar pressure

As lung volume alveolar pressure
Contraction of diaphragm lowers diaphragm

lung volume alveolar pressure so it is <
atmospheric pressure air enters lungs =
inhalation
Relaxation of diaphragm raises diaphragm
lung volume alveolar pressure so it is >
atmospheric pressure air leaves lungs =
exhalation
Sons, Inc.
Volume-Pressure Changes in
Lungs

Sons, Inc.
Air Flow Terms
Frequency = breaths/min; normal: 12

Tidal volume (TV) = volume moved in one
breath. Normal ~ 500 ml
About 70% of TV reaches alveoli (350 ml)

Only this amount is involved in gas exchange
30% in airways = anatomic dead space

Sons, Inc.
Lung Volumes
Measured by spirometer
Inspiratory reserve volume (ERV) = volume of air

that can be inhaled beyond tidal volume (TV)
Expiratory reserve volume (IRV) = volume of air
that can be exhaled beyond TV
Air remaining in lungs after a maximum expiration
= residual volume (RV)

Sons, Inc.
Lung Capacities
Inspiratory capacity = TV + IRV

Functional residual capacity (FRC) =
RV + ERV
Vital capacity (VC) = IRV + TV + ERV
Total lung capacity (TLC) = VC + RV

Sons, Inc.
Lung Capacities

Sons, Inc.

Sons, Inc.
Respiration Step 2: Pulmonary

Gas Exchange: External
Respiration
Diffusion across alveolar-capillary membrane
O2 diffuses from air (PO2 ~105 mm Hg) to

pulmonary artery (blue) blood (PO2 ~40 mm Hg).
(Partial pressure gradient = 65 mm Hg)
Continues until equilibrium (PO2 ~100-105 mm Hg)
Meanwhile blue blood (PCO2 ~45) diffuses to

alveolar air (PCO2 ~40) (Partial pressure gradient =
5 mm Hg)

Sons, Inc.
Respiration Step 3: Systemic Gas

Exchange: Internal Respiration
Occurs throughout body

O2 diffuses from blood to cells: down partial
pressure gradient
PO2 lower in cells than in blood because O2
used in cellular metabolism
Meanwhile CO2 diffuses in opposite direction:
cells blood

Sons, Inc.
Internal
and
External
Respiratio
n

Sons, Inc.
Leaving the alveolar capillaries:

PO2 = 100 mm Hg
PCO2 = 40 mm Hg
As
blood
travels
through
arteries and arterioles, no gas
exchange occurs
Entering the systemic capillaries:
PO2 = 100 mm Hg
PCO2 = 40 mm Hg
Leaving the systemic capillaries:
PO2 = 40 mm Hg
PCO2 = 45 mm Hg

Sons, Inc.
Transport of Oxygen within

98.5% of O2 is transported bound to
Blood
hemoglobin in RBCs
Binding depends on PO2

High PO2 in lung and lower in tissues
O2 dissolves poorly in plasma so only 1.5% is
transported in plasma
Tissue release of O2 to cells is increased by

factors present during exercise:
High CO2 (from active muscles)

Acidity (lactic acid from active muscles)
Higher temperatures (during exercise)
Sons, Inc.
Transport of Carbon Dioxide
CO2 diffuses from tissues into blood
CO2 carried in blood:
Some dissolved in plasma (7%)

Bound to proteins including hemoglobin (23%)
Mostly as part of bicarbonate ions (70%)
CO2 + H2O H+ + HCO3-
Process reverses in lungs as CO2 diffuses

from blood into alveolar air exhaled

Sons, Inc.
Transport of
Oxygen and
Carbon
Dioxide

Sons, Inc.
Control of Respiration
Medullary rhythmicity area in medulla
Quiet breathing
Contains both inspiratory and expiratory areas

Inspiratory area nerve signals to inspiratory
muscles for ~2 sec
Inspiration
Inspiration ends and muscles relax
Expiration
Expiratory center active only during forceful
breathing
Two areas in pons adjust length of inspiratory

stimulation
Sons, Inc.

Sons, Inc.

Sons, Inc.
Regulation of Respiratory
Center
Cortical input: voluntary adjustment of
patterns
For talking or cessation of breathing while

swimming
Chemoreceptor input will override breath-holding

Sons, Inc.
Regulation of Respiratory
Center
Chemoreceptor input to increase
ventilation
Central receptors in medulla: sensitive to H+ or

PCO2
in CSF
Peripheral receptors in arch of aorta + common
carotids: respond to PO2 as well as H+ or
PCO2 in blood
Blood and brain pH can be maintained by

these negative feedback mechanisms

Sons, Inc.
Regulation of
Respiratory
Center

Sons, Inc.
Other Regulatory Factors of
Respiration
Respiration can be stimulated by
Sudden pain can apnea: stop breathing
Limbic system: anticipation of activity, emotion

Proprioception as activity is started
Increase of body temperature
Prolonged somatic pain can increase rate
Airway irritation cough or sneeze

Inflation reflex
Bronchi wall stretch receptors inhibit inspiration

Prevents overinflation

Sons, Inc.
Aging and the Respiratory

System
Lungs lose elasticity/ability to recoil more
rigid; leads to
Decrease in vital capacity

Decreased blood PO2 level
Decreased exercise capacity
Decreased macrophage activity and ciliary

action
Increased susceptibility to pneumonia, bronchitis

and other disorders

Sons, Inc.
End of Chapter 18
Copyright 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation of
this work beyond that permitted in section 117 of the
1976 United States Copyright Act without express
permission of the copyright owner is unlawful.
Request for further information should be addressed
to the Permission Department, John Wiley & Sons,
Inc. The purchaser may make back-up copies for
his/her own use only and not for distribution or
resale. The Publishers assumes no responsibility
for errors, omissions, or damages caused by the
use of theses programs or from the use of the
information herein.
Sons, Inc.

Anatomy of The Respiratory System

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Anatomy of The Respiratory System

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

ANATOMY on

The Respiratory System

JAY P. JAZUL, RPh, MSc.,CPS

Respiration: Three Major

Moving air in and out of lungs

Gas exchange between alveoli and blood

Gas exchange between blood and cells

Copyright 2010, John Wiley &

Organs of the Respiratory

Upper respiratory system

Nose and pharynx

Lower respiratory system

Trachea, larynx, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs

Copyright 2010, John Wiley &

Consists of the respiratory and conducting

Site of gas exchange

Chapter 22, Respiratory System

Provides rigid conduits for air to reach the sites of

Respiratory muscles diaphragm and other

Chapter 22, Respiratory System

Major Functions of the

To supply the body with oxygen and dispose

Pulmonary ventilation moving air into and out of

Chapter 22, Respiratory System

Major Functions of the

Transport transport of oxygen and carbon

Chapter 22, Respiratory System

Copyright 2010, John Wiley &

Organs of the Respiratory

Copyright 2010, John Wiley &

Upper Respiratory System:

External nares nasal cavity internal nares

Warm, humidify, filter/trap dust and microbes

Mucus and cilia of epithelial cells lining nose

Detect olfactory stimuli

Copyright 2010, John Wiley &

Vestibule nasal cavity superior to the nares

Vibrissae hairs that filter coarse particles from

Lines the superior nasal cavity

Chapter 22, Respiratory System

Lines the balance of the nasal cavity

Chapter 22, Respiratory System

Upper Respiratory System:

Funnel-shaped tube from internal nares to larynx 3

Three regions (with tonsils in the upper two)

Upper: nasopharynx; posterior to nose

Middle: oropharynx; posterior to mouth

Adenoids and openings of auditory (Eustachian) tubes

Lower: laryngeal pharynx

Connects with both esophagus and larynx: food and air

Upper Respiratory System:

Copyright 2010, John Wiley &

Respiratory System: Head

Copyright 2010, John Wiley &

Lower Respiratory System:

Made largely of cartilage

Thyroid cartilage: V-shaped

Epiglottis: leaf-shaped piece; covers airway

Adam's apple: projects more anteriorly in males

Cricoid cartilage: inferior most portion

Copyright 2010, John Wiley &

Lower Respiratory System:

Copyright 2010, John Wiley &