Respiration (processes)
1. Ventilation and breathing, which is the movement of air into and out of the lungs
2. Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air in the lungs and the blood
3. Transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and tissues
4. Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and tissues.
Function
1. Regulation of blood pH
2. Voice production
3. Olfaction
4. Innate immunity
ANATOMY OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
A. Upper respiratory tract
-external nose, nasal cavity and pharynx
B. Lower respiratory tract
-larynx, trachea, bronchi and the lungs
NOSE
A. External nose
Visible structure that forms a prominent feature of the face
Consists of hyaline cartilage, although the bridge of the external nose consists of bone.
Nares/nostrils – external openings of the nose
Choanae – openings into the pharynx
B. Nasal cavity
Extends from the nares to the choanae
Nasal septum – a partition dividing the nasal cavity into the right and left parts.
Deviated nasal septum – occurs when the septum bulges to one side.
Hard palate – floor of the nasal cavity, separating the nasal cavity from the oral cavity.
Conchae – three prominent bony ridges are present on the lateral walls on each side of the nasal cavity. Increases the surface area of the nasal cavity and cause the air to churn, so that it can be cleansed, humidified, and warmed.
Paranasal sinuses – air-filled spaces within the bone. Includes the maxillary, frontal, ethmoidal, and sphenoidal sinuses. Opens into the nasal cavity and are lined with a mucous membrane. They reduce the weight of the skull, produce mucus, and influence the quality of the voice by acting as resonating chambers.
Nasolacrimal ducts – carry tears from the eyes, open into the nasal cavity. Sensory receptors of the sense of smell are in the superior part of the nasal cavity.
Sneeze reflex – dislodges foreign substances from the nasal cavity. Medulla oblongata