Respiratory system

The respiratory system ( RS ) is consist os the :

• nose
• pharynx
• larynx
• trachea ( windpipe )
• bronchi
• bronchioles
• lungs

The function of RS is to supply oxygen to the body and to eliminate carbon dioxide.
The lung are the main organs of breatching.
The lungs are situated in thoracic cavity on the either side of the heart.
The membrane covering the lung is called pleura.
The lungs are built like tree , with branches that get smaller and saller, called bronchi.
The bronchi terminate the air bag , called alveoil. The wall of alveoil is rich in capillares.
Air enters through the nose and mouth.
Then the pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi,bronchioles it passes into the lungs.
In the alevole of the lungs oxygen diffuses into the blood stream where is absorbed by the erythrocytes.
They carry oxygen to the lungs capillaries to all cells of the body.
Carbox dioxide is carried by the blood in the opposite direction, hat is from tissues to the lungs.
It passes from the lung capillaries into air bags and is finally exhaled from the lungs. In one minute, we take eighteen to twenty breaths of air.

Most of the diseases of RS are classified as upper or lower respiratory tract infections, which caused by viruses or beacteria.
Upper respiratory tract infections affect the nose , pharynx, larynx, sinuses, throat.
The most common are a cold , influenza ( flu ) , pharyngitis , rhinitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis.
Diseases of the lower respiratory track affect the trachea , bronchi, brionchioles, lungs are more serious.
They include bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, pleuritis and cancer.
The lung cancer is caused mainly by cigarette smoking.
Asthma , whuch is very common nowadays , is a sudden bronchospasm caused by various stimuli , such as dust , pollen, food, medicines, chemicals.
Respiratory system include fever, chills, sore throat , runny nose ( catarrh ) , cought , hoarseness,dyspnoea ( difficulty in breathing ) , cyanosis ( bluish colour of the lips and fingernails ) haemoptysis ( coughing with blood ) and noisy breathing.

UPPER TRACT INFECTION

LOWER TRACT INFECTION

SYMPTOMS OTHER DISEASES

Bibliografia :
Ewa Donesch-Jeżo -English for Nurses
Ewa Donesch-Jeżo - English for Medical Students