Upper Respiratory Tract: The part of the respiratory system including the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx, responsible for air conduction, filtration, humidification, and warming of inhaled air.
Lower Respiratory Tract: Comprises the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs; responsible for conducting air to the alveoli and facilitating gas exchange.
Alveoli: Tiny air sacs within the lungs where gas exchange occurs; they provide a large surface area (~70 m²) for oxygen and carbon dioxide diffusion.
Diaphragm: The primary muscle of respiration, a dome-shaped muscle that contracts during inhalation to increase thoracic volume.
Lungs: Paired organs located in the thoracic cavity, responsible for oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal through alveolar gas exchange.
Pleura: A double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs; the visceral pleura covers the lungs, and the parietal pleura lines the chest wall, with the pleural cavity containing a lubricating fluid.
1. What are alveoli in the respiratory system?
2. Where does the primary gas exchange process occur in the respiratory system?
3. What is the primary role of oxygen therapy in respiratory care?
Respiratory system divisions?
Upper and lower tracts with specific roles.
Gas exchange site?
Occurs mainly in alveoli via diffusion.
NIV modes?
Includes CPAP and BiPAP for support.
Alveoli — function?
Gas exchange sites in lungs.
Gas exchange — process?
Oxygen in, carbon dioxide out.
Diffusion — role in gas exchange?
Passive movement of gases across membranes.
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