Respiratory

• Lungs:

  • trachea
  • bronchiole
  • alveoli
  • bronchus
• Primary function


  exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen
• Secondary functions

  • vocalizing
  • body temp regulation
  • acid/base regulation
• Respiration occurs at 2 levels:

  • internal, cellular level
  • external, lungs
• 2 sections: TRACTS

  1. upper respiratory
  2. lower respiratory
• Upper respiratory


  lungs connect to external environment

  • nose
  • pharynx
  • larynx
• Respiratory anatomy

  • larynx: voice box
  • epiglottis: flap of cartilage that regulates movement of air and prevents swallowed material from entering lower respiratory tract
  • trachea: windpipe that provides structure and prevents collapse of trachea during inhalation
• Alveolus


  grape like clusters where gas exchange takes place
• Types of respiration

  1. mechanical control
  2. chemical control
• Chemical control


  monitoring of chemical composition of blood

  • oxygen
  • carbon dioxide
  • pH

  body tries to adjust to change and bring back normal levels
• Inspiration

  • inhale
  • contract diaphragm: opens thoracic cavity and air enters passively due to enlarged space
• Expiration

  • exhale
  • compression of thoracic cavity, lung tissue returns to original size/shape expelling air
• Features of BOAS

  • stenotic nares
  • extended nasopharyngeal turbinates
  • elongated soft palate
  • laryngeal collapse
  • hypoplastic trachea
  • everted laryngeal saccules
  • bronchial collapse
  • gastroesophageal reflux