We will start from the very beginning.

The entire point of the Respiratory System is to breath, to provide oxygen for the body.

Here is a very good overview I found online just incase video’s are more your learning style

Ventilation – Inhale and Exhale

These two motions are initiated by the amount of carbon dioxide in the lungs and the blood.

When a person inhales and exhales the diaphragm and accessory muscles assist in bringing the breath in and out (we will go over this at the end)

The Respiratory System has a specific pathway oxygen travels.

The Oxygen Pathway is..

(I am not an artist, but I hope this helps visualize)

Nose/ Mouth Pharynx Epiglottis Larynx Trachea Carina Bronchi (Bronchus) Bronchioles Alveolar Ducts Alveoli (This is where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged)

BLUE text means these are apart of the UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT

PURPLE text means these are apart of the LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT

This is very important. Even if your teacher says “Eh I won’t test you over this material”, still study the pathway air travels in the Respiratory System. This will make studying disease processes easier. If you know what part of the lungs is effected with a disease, this will help knowing what to expect from the disease, what interventions to perform, and why some medications are preferred over others.

Lungs

You have two lungs, the RIGHT having THREE lobes and the LEFT only having TWO lobes.

When you think of the lungs, do not think of two empty balloons hanging in your chest. Think more of a dish sponge! All the little holes are your Alveoli filled with air (or mucus).

Take a break and then continue with Part 2!

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