Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
The respiratory system (also respiratory apparatus, ventilatory system) is a biological system consisting of specific organs and structures used for gas exchange in animals and plants. The anatomy and physiology that make this happen varies greatly, depending on the size of the organism, the environment in which it lives and its evolutionary ...
Dorsal respiratory group – in the medulla; Ventral respiratory group – in the medulla; Pneumotaxic center – various nuclei of the pons; Apneustic center – nucleus of the pons; From the respiratory center, the muscles of respiration, in particular the diaphragm, [4] are activated to cause air to move in and out of the lungs.
The lungs possess several characteristics which protect against infection. The respiratory tract is lined by respiratory epithelium or respiratory mucosa, with hair-like projections called cilia that beat rhythmically and carry mucus. This mucociliary clearance is an important defence system against air-borne infection. [34]
For the respiratory system to function properly, there need to be as few impediments as possible to the movement of air within the lungs. Inflammation of the lungs and excess mucus are common sources of breathing difficulties. [50] In asthma, the respiratory system is persistently inflamed, causing wheezing or shortness of breath.
A nasal mask is a user respiratory interface which covers the nose and seals against the upper lip, the sides of the nose, and the bridge of the nose. [44] nasal pillow mask A nasal pillow mask is a respiratory user interface which seals on the rim of the nostrils. It is used in stable patients with sleep-disordered breathing.
The respiratory tract antimicrobial defense system is a layered defense mechanism which relies on components of both the innate and adaptive immune systems to protect the lungs and the rest of the respiratory tract against inhaled microorganisms.
The cells in the respiratory epithelium are of five main types: a) ciliated cells, b) goblet cells, c) brush cells, d) airway basal cells, and e) small granule cells (NDES) [6] Goblet cells become increasingly fewer further down the respiratory tree until they are absent in the terminal bronchioles; club cells take over their role to some extent here. [7]
Decreased respiratory effort: Central nervous system impairment leads to decreased respiratory effort. The respiratory center of the brain is located in the pons and medulla and is primarily driven by elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood ( hypercapnia ) with decreased oxygen levels ( hypoxemia ) serving as a less potent stimulus. [ 9 ]