THE RESPIRATORY

SYSTEM
 INTRODUCTION
The body cells need a continuous supply of oxygen for the metabolic
processes that are necessary to maintain life. The respiratory system works
with the circulatory system to provide this oxygen and to remove the waste
products of metabolism.
Respiration is the sequence of events that results in the exchange of
oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the body cells.
Every 3 to 5 seconds, nerve impulses stimulate the breathing process, or
ventilation, which moves air through a series of passages into and out of the
lungs.
After this, there is an exchange of gases between the lungs and the blood.
This is called external respiration. The blood transports the gases to and from
the tissue cells. The exchange of gases between the blood and tissue cells is
internal respiration.
Finally, the cells utilize the oxygen for their specific activities: this is called
cellular metabolism, or cellular respiration. Together, these activities
constitute respiration
PARTS OF THE Nasal cavity
Oral cavity
RESPIRATORY
SYSTEM Pharynx
Larynx
Trachea
Lung
Bronchus
Bronchiole
Alveolus
Diaphragm
CONDUCTING
PASSAGES
The respiratory conducting passages are divided
into the upper respiratory tract and the lower
respiratory tract. The upper respiratory tract
includes the nose, pharynx, and larynx. The
lower respiratory tract consists of the trachea,
bronchial tree, and lungs. These tracts open to
the outside and are lined with mucous
membranes. In some regions, the membrane has
hairs that help filter the air. Other regions may
have cilia to propel mucus.
 1- NASAL CAVITY
Air enters the nasal cavity from the outside through two openings: the nostrils or external 2- PHARYNX
nares. The openings from the nasal cavity into the pharynx are the internal nares. Nose The pharynx, commonly called
hairs at the entrance to the nose trap large inhaled particles. The sinuses, which have the the throat, is a passageway that
same names as the bones in which they are located, surround the nasal cavity and open extends from the base of the
into it. They function to reduce the weight of the skull, to produce mucus, and to influence skull to the level of the sixth
voice quality by acting as resonating chambers. cervical vertebra. It serves both
the respiratory and digestive
systems by receiving air from
the nasal cavity, and food and
water from the oral cavity.
Inferiorly, it opens into the
larynx and esophagus. The
upper part of the pharynx
(throat) lets only air pass
through. Lower parts permit air,
foods, and fluids to pass.
 3- LARYNX
4- TRACHEA
The larynx, commonly called the
The trachea, commonly known as the
voice box or glottis, is the
windpipe, is a tube-like structure
passageway for air between the
located in the neck and chest region of
pharynx above and the trachea below.
the body.
It extends from the fourth to the sixth
The trachea consists of sturdy, C-
vertebral levels. The larynx plays an
shaped rings of cartilage that provide
essential role in human speech.
structural support and help to keep the
During sound production, the vocal
airway open. The walls of the trachea
cords close together and vibrate as
are lined with ciliated cells and mucus-
air expelled from the lungs passes
producing glands. The cilia, small hair-
between them. The false vocal cords
like structures, move in coordinated
have no role in sound production, but
motions, helping to sweep foreign
help close off the larynx when food is
particles and mucus upward towards
swallowed. The epiglottis acts like a
the throat, where they can be coughed
trap door to keep food and other
out or swallowed.
particles from entering the larynx.
 5- BRONCHI
The trachea divides into two bronchi, known as the right bronchus and the left
bronchus, which enter the right and left lungs respectively. Inside the lungs, the bronchi
further divide into smaller tubes called bronchioles, which eventually lead to the tiny
air sacs called alveoli, where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place
during respiration.
The bronchi are lined with ciliated cells and mucus-producing glands that help to trap
foreign particles, filter the air, and keep the respiratory system clean. They are also
supported by cartilage rings, which provide structural integrity to the airways.

6- BRONCHIOLES
Bronchioles are responsible for carrying air from the bronchi to the tiny air sacs called
alveoli. They have thinner walls compared to the bronchi and are devoid of cartilage
support. The walls of bronchioles contain smooth muscle fibers, allowing for the
regulation of airflow within the lungs.

7- ALVEOLI
Alveoli are tiny, balloon-like air sacs located at the end of the respiratory bronchioles.
The alveoli are surrounded by a network of blood capillaries, creating a thin barrier
between the air-filled sacs and the bloodstream. This thin barrier allows for the efficient
diffusion of gases. The numerous alveoli in the lungs provide an extensive surface
area, facilitating the exchange of gases between the respiratory system and the
circulatory system, enabling the delivery of oxygen to the body and the removal of
carbon dioxide, which is a waste product of cellular respiration.
 8- LUNGS
9- DIAPHRAGM
The two lungs, occupy most of the
space in the thoracic cavity. The The diaphragm is a dome-shaped
lungs are soft and spongy because muscle located at the base of the
they are mostly air spaces chest cavity, separating the thoracic
surrounded by the alveolar cells and (chest) cavity from the abdominal
elastic connective tissue. They are cavity. When you inhale, the
separated from each other by the diaphragm contracts and moves
mediastinum, which contains the downward, creating more space in
heart. The right lung is shorter, the chest cavity. During exhalation
broader, and has a greater volume or expiration, the diaphragm
than the left lung. It is divided into relaxes and moves upward,
three lobes. The left lung is longer reducing the volume of the chest
and narrower than the right lung and cavity. As a result, the lungs
it has two lobes. Each lung is contract, and air is pushed out of
enclosed by a double-layered serous the respiratory system.
membrane, called the pleura.
 COMMON RESPIRATORY
DISORDERS
1- Asthma: A chronic condition characterized by inflammation and
narrowing of the airways, leading to recurrent episodes of coughing,
wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
2- Pneumonia: An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both
lungs. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi and results in
symptoms such as cough, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
3- Bronchitis: An inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to
the lungs. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection and
results in cough, chest congestion, and mucus production.
4- Lung cancer: a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the lungs. It
is often associated with long-term exposure to tobacco smoke, but it can
also occur in non-smokers due to other factors such as exposure to
secondhand smoke, environmental pollutants, or genetic predisposition.
5- COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-
CoV-2 virus, with symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of
breath. It spreads through respiratory droplets and can be prevented by
hand hygiene, mask usage, distancing, and vaccination.
THANK YOU!