Respiratory physiology

Respiratory physiology is the branch of physiology that focuses on the processes and mechanisms of the respiratory system. It is a crucial field in understanding how the body exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide, and how it responds to changes in the environment and physical activity.

Overview

The primary function of the respiratory system is to deliver oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide. This process is known as gas exchange. The respiratory system also plays a role in pH regulation, protection against microbes, and vocalization.

Anatomy of the Respiratory System

The respiratory system is divided into two main parts: the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract. The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx. The lower respiratory tract includes the trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

Respiratory Mechanics

Respiratory mechanics refers to the study of the physical aspects of breathing, including the expansion and contraction of the lungs, the pressure changes within the thoracic cavity, and the flow of air into and out of the lungs.

Gas Exchange

Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, tiny air sacs in the lungs where oxygen is transferred from the air to the blood, and carbon dioxide is transferred from the blood to the air. This process is facilitated by the thin walls of the alveoli and the extensive network of capillaries that surround them.

Control of Breathing

The rate and depth of breathing are controlled by the respiratory center in the brainstem, which receives input from chemoreceptors that monitor the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH in the blood.

Respiratory Pathophysiology

Respiratory pathophysiology is the study of diseases and disorders that affect the respiratory system, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.

See Also

• Pulmonology
• Respiratory therapy
• Human anatomy
• Human physiology

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