The lower respiratory system is a complex network of airways and air sacs that facilitate breathing. From the to the , each structure plays a crucial role in delivering oxygen to our bodies and removing carbon dioxide.
Common conditions like and can disrupt this delicate system, causing breathing difficulties. Fortunately, diagnostic tools like pulmonary function tests and treatments ranging from inhalers to can help manage these respiratory challenges.
Structure and Function of the Lower Respiratory System
Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli
Top images from around the web for Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli
Organs and Structures of the Respiratory System · Anatomy and Physiology View original
Is this image relevant?
Organs and Structures of the Respiratory System · Anatomy and Physiology View original
Is this image relevant?
Mechanics of Breathing | Boundless Anatomy and Physiology View original
Is this image relevant?
Organs and Structures of the Respiratory System · Anatomy and Physiology View original
Is this image relevant?
Organs and Structures of the Respiratory System · Anatomy and Physiology View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli
Organs and Structures of the Respiratory System · Anatomy and Physiology View original
Is this image relevant?
Organs and Structures of the Respiratory System · Anatomy and Physiology View original
Is this image relevant?
Mechanics of Breathing | Boundless Anatomy and Physiology View original
Is this image relevant?
Organs and Structures of the Respiratory System · Anatomy and Physiology View original
Is this image relevant?
Organs and Structures of the Respiratory System · Anatomy and Physiology View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Trachea connects larynx to lined with ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium contains C-shaped cartilage rings for support (windpipe)
Bronchi
Primary bronchi formed by bifurcation of trachea into left and right bronchi (main airways)
Secondary bronchi branch from primary bronchi into lobar bronchi supply each lobe of the lung
Tertiary bronchi branch from secondary bronchi into segmental bronchi supply bronchopulmonary segments
smaller airways that branch from tertiary bronchi
Terminal bronchioles smallest bronchioles lead to respiratory bronchioles (conducting zone)
Respiratory bronchioles contain alveoli sites of (respiratory zone)
Alveoli tiny air sacs at the end of respiratory bronchioles surrounded by capillaries for gas exchange (grape-like clusters)
Type I alveolar cells thin allow for efficient gas exchange (squamous epithelium)
Type II alveolar cells secrete surfactant to reduce surface tension prevent alveolar collapse (great alveolar cells)
Common Lower Respiratory Conditions
Asthma, COPD
Asthma chronic inflammatory disorder of airways characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and reversible airflow obstruction
Triggers include allergens (pollen), irritants (smoke), and exercise
Symptoms: , coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath
COPD group of progressive lung diseases includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema characterized by persistent airflow limitation and respiratory symptoms
Main risk factor: smoking
Chronic bronchitis inflammation and narrowing of bronchi increased mucus production (blue bloater)
Emphysema destruction of alveolar walls leading to enlarged air spaces and reduced gas exchange (pink puffer)
Diagnostic Methods and Treatment Approaches
PFTs, pharmacological interventions
Diagnostic Methods
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) assess lung function
measures lung volumes (FVC) and airflow rates (FEV1)