The structures (airways, lungs, bony thorax, respiratory muscles, central nervous system) work together to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream and remove excess carbon dioxide from the body
In healthy adults, during deep inspiration the lungs extend down to about the 8th intercostal space anteriorly and 12th intercostal space posteriorly. During expiration, the lungs rise to the 5th or 6th intercostal space anteriorly and 10th posteriorly
Air travels through trachea into main bronchi, repeatedly bifurcates into smaller bronchioles, terminates at alveolar ducts and sacs containing alveoli for gas exchange
External respiration (ventilation) is the mechanical act of breathing, accomplished by expansion of the chest vertically and horizontally, inspiration is the inflow of air, expiration is mostly passive
Should feel smooth, warm, and dry, pain can indicate costochondritis, fractures, or muscle soreness, crepitus indicates air leakage, tactile fremitus is palpable vibrations from air transmission
A flexible tube that extends downward from the larynx, located anterior to the esophagus, and composed of C-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage. Begins at the cricoid cartilage.