Respiratory+System+AG

Allie Gruber Human Bio Field Period 1 September 16, 2008

Part 1. Describe structure and function of each of these terms.

Nasal cavity: narrow canals separated from each other by a septum composed of bone and cartilage that filters, warms, and moistens air.

Pharynx: a funnel0shaped passageway that connects the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx for air and food to cross.

Glottis: the opening to the larynx in the space between the vocal chords. Also known as the “throat.”

Larynx: a cartilaginous structure that serves as a passageway for air between the pharynx and the trachea and houses the vocal chords.

Trachea: a tube connecting the larynx to the primary bronchi that lies ventral to the esophagus.

Bronchus: when the trachea divides into right and left primary bronchi they then lead into the right and left lungs. Resembles the trachea in structure, but as the bronchial tubes divide and subdivide, their walls become thinner, and the small rings of cartilage are no longer present.

Bronchioles: when the bronchi branch into a few secondary bronchi that also branch until the branches become about 1mm in diameter

Lung: paired, cone shaped organs that occupy the thoracic cavity, except for the central area that contains the trachea, the heart and esophagus.

Diaphragm: muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity

Part 2. Describe the structure and function of alveoli in great detail. Alveoli are held inside the lungs with about 300 million at 50-70m2. Blood capillaries surround each alveolar sac. The wall of the sac and the wall of the capillary are largely simple thin, flattened cells, and this facilitates gas exchange.

Part 3. (p. 178) Describe in great detail how Carbon Dioxide is carried in the blood and how Oxygen is carried in the blood. Carbon Dioxide diffuses out of the plasma into the lungs, after being as bicarbonate ions. Carbonic anhydrate speeds the breakdown of carbonic acid in red blood cells. Oxygen diffuses into the plasma and then into red blood cells in the lungs.

Part 4. Describe 4 respiratory disorders of your choice (in great detail). Laryngitis is an infection of the larynx with accompanying hoarseness. Leading to the inability to talk in an audible voice. Laryngitis can be treated, but a physician should look at if the hoarseness continues. Pneumonia is a viral or bacterial infection of the lungs in which the bronchi and alveoli fill with thick fluid. Symptoms include high fever, chills, headache and chest pain. Pneumonia can be caused by a bacterium that is usually held in check but has gained the upper hand due to stress or reduced immunity. Sinusitis develops when nasal congestion blocks the tiny openings leading to the sinuses. Symptoms include postnasal discharge, as well as a facial pain that worsens when the patient bends forward. Signs of this infection include pain and tenderness over the lower forehead and cheeks. To treat sinusitis involves draining the sinuses with spray decongestants or even a hot shower. Asthma is a disease of the bronchi and bronchioles that is characterized by wheezing, breathlessness and sometimes a cough or expectoration of mucus. The airways are sensitive to specific irritants including allergens such as pollen, animal dander, dust, tobacco smoke, and industrial fumes. When exposed to these irritants the muscle in the bronchioles undergoes spasms. Asthma is treated with inhalers to control the inflammation and hopefully prevent an attack.