Tag Archives: Respiratory system

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

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RESPIRATORY SYSTEM.

 

The primary function of the respiratory system is to:

  • Provide our bodies with Oxygen.
  • Remove CO2.
  • Inspiration & Expiration.
  • Using a process known as gaseous exchange.

The respiratory system and the circulatory systems work together:

  • Oxygen is required by our cells to make energy.
  • It is brought in via the lungs
  • And delivered to the cells by the bloodstream.

 

  • Carbon Dioxide is the waste product.
  • It is carried away from cells to the lungs.
  • It is expired from the body via the lungs.

 

The respiratory systems consist of the following:

  • Thoracic cavity- the space define as a sternum anterior, thoracic vertebrae posterior, ribs lateral and the diaphragm inferior.
  • Upper Respiratory Tract – consist of the nasal cavity, pharynx and the larynx.
  • Lower Respiratory Tract – consist of the trachea, primary bronchi and the lungs

Regulation of breathing- Respiratory Centre in the brain.

 

Medulla Oblongata & Pons

Medulla – Basic rate & depth (nerve impulses to respiratory muscles)

Pons – Smooths out rhythm

 

Stretch Receptors

Bronchioles & Alveoli respond to over-inflation

 

Chemoreceptor

Medulla oblongata, aortic arch & carotid bodies

Respond to increased levels of CO2.

 

Breathing inspiration. According to Boyles Laws,

  • The brain signals the phrenic nerve.
  • Phrenic nerve stimulates the diaphragm (muscle) to contract
  • When diaphragm contracts, it moves down, making the thoracic cavity larger
  • Physics – Air moves into lungs

Breathing Exhalation. These:

  • Exhalation occurs when the phrenic nerve stimulus stops.
  • The diaphragm relaxes and moves up in the chest.
  • This reduces the volume of the thoracic cavity.
  • When volume decreases, intrapulmonary pressure increases.
  • Air flows out of the lungs to the lower atmospheric pressure.

 

For the respiratory and the circulatory systems:

Oxygen is required by our cells to make energy.

  • It is brought in via the lungs.
  • And delivered to the cells by the bloodstream.

 

Carbon Dioxide is the waste product.

  • It is carried away from cells to the lungs.
  • It is expired from the body via the lungs.

 

Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide move in and out of cells by a process called diffusion.

Diffusion is the movement of a substance from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Gas exchanged, diffusion is an essential part of gas exchange

Diffusion and gas exchange are dependent on

  • Effective ventilation (breathing)
  • Perfusion (blood supply)

 

There are 2 types of gas exchange.

  • At the alveoli (external respiration)
  • At the tissues (internal respiration.

 

 

 

 

 

KSB ADDRESSED.

KNOWLEDGE.

 

K10: Understand the principles of epidemiology, demography, and genomics and how these may influence health and well-being outcomes.

K11: Understand the factors that may lead to inequalities in health outcomes.

K15: Understand human development from conception to death, to enable delivery of person-centred safe and effective care.

K16: Understand body systems and homeostasis, human anatomy and physiology, biology, genomics, pharmacology, social and behavioural sciences as applied to delivery of care.

K17: Understand commonly encountered mental, physical, behavioural, and cognitive health conditions as applied to delivery of care.

K22: Know how to meet people’s needs related to nutrition, hydration and bladder and bowel health.

K23: Know how to meet people’s needs related to mobility, hygiene, oral care, wound care, and skin integrity.

K24: Know how to support people with commonly encountered symptoms including anxiety, confusion, and pain.

K28: Understand the effects of medicines, allergies, drug sensitivity, side effects, contraindications, and adverse reactions.

 

 

 

SKILLS

S1: Act in accordance with the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives, and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and fulfil all registration requirements.

S17: Protect health through understanding and applying the principles of infection prevention and control, including communicable disease surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship and resistance.

 

 

 

 

 

BEHAVIOUR

B1: Treat people with dignity, respecting individual’s diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy, and preferences.

B2: Show respect and empathy for those you work with, have the courage to challenge areas of concern and work to evidence based best practice.

B3: Be adaptable, reliable, and consistent, show discretion, resilience, and self-awareness.