Respiratory System

• What is the aim of the session regarding the respiratory system?

  To identify the main components of the respiratory system and how these differ in children
• What is the purpose of understanding respiration and respiratory drive?

  To comprehend how breathing is regulated and its importance in maintaining life
• What does effective ventilation depend on?

  Factors involved in gas exchange and transport of gases
• What are the components of the assessment in respiratory evaluation?

  Airways, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
• What are the main components of the respiratory system?

  • Nasal cavity
  • Oral cavity
  • Tongue
  • Trachea
  • Pleura
  • Right lung
  • Diaphragm
  • Pharynx
  • Epiglottis
  • Larynx
  • Bronchus
  • Left lung
  • Upper and lower airways
• What are the three sections of the pharynx?

  Nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx
• Why can newborn babies have difficulty breathing when unwell?

  Because they are solely nose breathers and cannot switch to mouth breathing
• What are the advantages of nasal breathing over mouth breathing?

  Filtration of particles and improved humidification of inspired air
• What is the function of the pharynx?

  Acts as a passageway for food to the stomach and air to the lungs
• What role do adenoids play in the nasopharynx?

  They can obstruct airflow from the nose to the throat if enlarged
• What is the structure of the larynx?

  Made up of cartilage bound together by ligaments
• What is the function of the vocal cords?

  They vibrate to produce sound waves when air passes through the glottis
• What does the epiglottis do during swallowing?

  Closes off the glottis to prevent food and fluid from entering the trachea
• What is the function of the trachea?

  To allow the passage of air to and from the lungs
• How is the trachea structured?

  It consists of 15-20 C-shaped rings of cartilage with soft tissue between
• What is the role of mucosal glands in the trachea?

  They produce mucus that is moved upwards towards the pharynx
• What happens when the trachea bifurcates?

  It divides into the right and left main bronchus
• How do the right and left bronchi differ?

  The right bronchus is shorter and wider than the left
• What happens as bronchioles divide?

  They have less cartilage and more smooth muscle
• What is the function of the lungs?

  To facilitate gas exchange and respiration
• How many lobes does the right lung have?

  Three lobes
• What is the pleura?

  A membrane covering the outer surfaces of the lungs
• What is the function of surfactant in the alveoli?

  It reduces surface tension and prevents alveoli from collapsing
• Why do pre-term babies often receive synthetic surfactant?

  To prevent the collapse of their alveoli due to underdeveloped surfactant production
• What is the diaphragm's role during inhalation?

  It contracts and flattens, enlarging the chest cavity
• How does the diaphragm contribute to exhalation?

  It relaxes and returns to its original shape, forcing air out of the lungs
• What are the differences in airway structure between adults and children?

  Children have a larger tongue, floppier epiglottis, and narrower trachea
• How do children's lungs differ from adults' lungs?

  Children's lungs are relatively immature at birth and have smaller resting lung volumes
• What are the two components of breathing control?

  Automatic and voluntary components
• What are the phases of breathing?

  Inspiration and expiration
• What is the role of the respiratory control center in the brain?

  It controls the respiratory pattern, rate, and depth of breathing
• What is the difference between inspiration and expiration?

  Inspiration is active, while expiration is passive
• What causes changes in pressure during pulmonary ventilation?

  Changes in volume of the chest cavity
• What is required for gas exchange to occur?

  A very thin membrane for rapid exchange
• How does oxygen get transported around the body?

  It is collected by the blood and circulated
• What are the methods for assessing breathing?

  Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
• What are warning signs of trouble breathing?

  Head bobbing, nasal flaring, mouth gasping, tracheal tug
• What does sternal recession indicate?

  It occurs when the space between the ribs and sternum moves inward during breathing
• What is the purpose of percussion in breathing assessment?

  To detect air, fluid, and masses in the lungs
• What sounds are listened for during auscultation?

  Crackles, wheeze, pleural rub