February 27, 2011

Superior Medical Education

2011 Paramedic Class
Anatomy & Physiology: Respiratory System
Instructor: Norman M. Fabian

Purpose: The Respiratory system is one of the most responsive and demanding systems in the
body, in fact in the Initial patient Survey (IPS) the respiratory system has 2 evaluations out of 4,
Open airway, and breathing. A lack of food can kill in months, a lack of water; will kill in days,
lack of oxygenation results in brain damage within 4-6 min, with death resulting at about 10 min.
It is critical to have an understanding of how the respiratory system functions and its purpose to
the body so that the patient can be quickly and efficiently treated and supported.

Goal: The Student shall differentiate between the Upper and lower Respiratory tract, as well as
define the Structures and functions of the Nasal Cavities and Pharynx. The Student shall be able
to identify the landmarks of the Larynx and Speaking Mechanism, as well as the structures of the
Trachea and Lungs down to the Alveoli and Capillary level. The student shall discuss the
Mechanism of breathing, both Mechanical and Chemical, and be able to explain the Diffusion of
Gasses in external and internal respiration. The student will understand pulmonary volumes and
their significant. Finally the Student shall understand and discuss the Acid-Base balance
significant to Respiration.

1) General Function of Respiratory System

a) Upper Respiratory Tract (URI)

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 February 27, 2011
Superior Medical Education
2011 Paramedic Class
Anatomy & Physiology: Respiratory System
Instructor: Norman M. Fabian

i) All Structures above the Epiglottis

(1) Also called the Pharynx (Oral Pharynx is mouth down Nasal pharynx is Hard
palate up)

(2) Nasal cavity

(a) Nasal Conchae or Turbinates

(i) Nasal Mucosa

(ii) Septum

(iii) Nasal Cavities

(iv)Olfactory Receptors

(v) Paranasal Sinuses

(b) Estuation Tube

(c) Hard and soft palates

(d) Uvula

(e) Epiglottis

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 February 27, 2011
Superior Medical Education
2011 Paramedic Class
Anatomy & Physiology: Respiratory System
Instructor: Norman M. Fabian

(i) Velecula

ii) Non sterile Area

b) Lower Respiratory Tract

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 February 27, 2011
Superior Medical Education
2011 Paramedic Class
Anatomy & Physiology: Respiratory System
Instructor: Norman M. Fabian

i) Structures below the Epiglotis

(1) Larynx

(2) Trachea

(3) Right & Left Main stem bronchi

(4) Bronchioles

(5) Alveoli

ii) LaryngoPharynx (Hypopharynx)

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 February 27, 2011
Superior Medical Education
2011 Paramedic Class
Anatomy & Physiology: Respiratory System
Instructor: Norman M. Fabian

c) Structures and functions of the Trachea & Bronchial tree

i) Thaechea

ii) Mainstem Bronchi

(1) Right – Goes straight

(2) Left- branches at an angle to go around the heart

iii) Bronchioles

d) Lungs

i) Visceral & Parietal Plura

ii) Serous fluid

e) Alveoli

i) Surfactant

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 February 27, 2011
Superior Medical Education
2011 Paramedic Class
Anatomy & Physiology: Respiratory System
Instructor: Norman M. Fabian

2) Mechanism of Breathing

a) Mechanical

i) Inspiration (active)

(1) Diaphram

(2) Internal & External intercostals muscles

ii) Expiration (passive)

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 February 27, 2011
Superior Medical Education
2011 Paramedic Class
Anatomy & Physiology: Respiratory System
Instructor: Norman M. Fabian

iii) Partial Pressures of Air

(1) Total in Air approx 140-160 mmhg

(a) pO2 100-120mmhg

(b) pCO2 20-60mmhg

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 February 27, 2011
Superior Medical Education
2011 Paramedic Class
Anatomy & Physiology: Respiratory System
Instructor: Norman M. Fabian

3) Pulmonary Volumes

a) Tidal volume

b) Inspiratory Reserve volume

c) Expiratory Reserve Volume

d) Vital Capasity

e) Residual air volume

f) Minute respiratory volume

g) Lung Compliance- the ability of the lungs to stretch during a change in volume relative to
an applied change in pressure.

4) Nervous system Regulation

a) Hypoxic Drive (pons of the brain stem)

i) Measures CO2 (Carbonic Acid, PH) in the blood

(1) Chemoreceptors –Brain

(2) Stretch receptors- Lungs

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 February 27, 2011
Superior Medical Education
2011 Paramedic Class
Anatomy & Physiology: Respiratory System
Instructor: Norman M. Fabian

ii) Quick acting

b) Arobic Drive

i) Measures Oxygen levels

ii) Much slower acting leading to hypoxemia

5) Acid base Balance

7.3 7.4
7.20 7.6
Norma
Acidosi Alkalos
is

Deat Deat
h

H2O HCO3

CO2 H+

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 February 27, 2011
Superior Medical Education
2011 Paramedic Class
Anatomy & Physiology: Respiratory System
Instructor: Norman M. Fabian

i) Three Systems for Regulating PH

(1) Buffer System (HCO3) (Fastest)

(2) Renal System (Kidneys) (slowest)

(3) Respiratory System

ii) Metabolic Acidosis / Alkalosis

iii) Respiratory Alkalosis/Acidosis

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