Respiratory System

Respiration: It is the process by which oxygen ( O2 ) is carried from the atmosphere to the tissue for oxidation & carbon dioxide ( CO2 ) formed in the tissue is expired out. The system involved in this process is called Respiratory system.
Organs of Respiratory system: It is divided into two parts.

Upper Respiratory Tract
1, Nasal cavity
2, Pharynx
3, Larynx
4, Trachea

Lower Respiratory Tract
1, Lungs
2, Bronchi
3, Bronchiole
4, Alveolar duct
5, Alveoli

Special Organs
1, Tonsils
2, Sinus
3, Ear

Sinus – an air cavity within the bones of Skull (or face).

Tonsil – a mass of lymphoid tissue on either side of the back of mouth. It protects

infection.

Lymphoid tissue – responsible for the production of lymphocytes ( a variety of WBC 0 & antibody.

Antibody – a special kind of blood protein that is synthesized in lymphoid tissue to protect infection.

Oxidation - the process of a substance combining with oxygen.

Common Diseases of Respiratory Tract:

1, Pneumonia – Chracterized by inflammatory changes in the lung parenchyma due to bacterial infections.

2, CAP ( Community Acquired Pneumonia ) : Pneumonia acquired from the community.

3, Nosocomial Pneumonia: Pneumonia acquired from the hospital.

4, Common Cold (Viral Rhinitis): Non – specific inflammatory symptoms characterized by headache, nasal congestion, watery rhinorrhoea, sneezing & sore throat.

5, Tonsillitis – Inflammation of tonsils.

6, Sinusitis – Inflammation of sinus.

7, Pharyngitis – Inflammation of pharynx.

8, Laryngitis – Inflammation of larynx.

9, Trachitis – Inflammation of trachea.

10, Bronchitis – Inflammation of bronchi

11, Bronchiolitis – Inflammation of bronchiole.

12, Bronchiolitis – Inflammation o bronchiole.

13, Alveolitis – Inflammation of alveolus.

14, Pleurisy – Inflammation of pleura ( thin outer layer of lungs).

15, COPD ( Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ) – Characterized by airflow obstruction may be associated with chronic bronchitis.

16, Asthma – Characterized by breathlessness, chest tightness & wheezing.

17, Otitis media – Infection of middle ear, Otitis externa – Infection of outer ear.

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