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Weekly Overview

Week Three

Overview

In Week Three, you will learn the basic function and structure of the respiratory system, along with some common terminology used. The respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange in the lungs and for delivering oxygenated blood to all parts of the body. Oxygen is inhaled, and carbon dioxide is exhaled. The main organs of the respiratory system include the pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, oral cavity, trachea, lungs, bronchus, bronchioles, and alveoli. A continuous oxygen supply is needed to maintain this system and life.

There are different diseases that can affect the respiratory system, and medical testing is performed to assess body functions and disease processes. To assign the correct diagnosis and procedure codes, and to process accurate claims, you must first be able to read and comprehend medical documentation that contains anatomy and physiology terms related to the respiratory system.

What you will cover

1. Respiratory system

a. The respiratory system is responsible for delivering oxygenated blood to all parts of the body. Oxygen is inhaled, and carbon dioxide is exhaled. The main organs of the respiratory system include the pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, oral cavity, trachea, lungs, bronchus, bronchioles, and alveoli.

b. Identify common medical terms for the respiratory system.

1) Adenoid: glands located in the roof of the mouth that produce antibodies (white blood cells) to help fight infections

2) Alveoli: sacs in the lower part of airway where gas exchange occurs

3) Bronchi: tubes in the lungs that transport gas

4) Bronchioles: the smallest tubes in the lungs that transport gas

5) Diaphragm: muscles that help with the process of breathing, located under the lungs

6) Epiglottis: a flap of cartilage at the roof of the tongue in the back of the throat that depresses during swallowing to cover the windpipe, which helps prevent liquids from going into the lungs during swallowing

7) Hilum: indentation on the medial side of each lung

8) Larynx: Located in the neck, inferior to the pharynx; this is where the vocal cords are located.

9) Mediastinum: central area within the thoracic cavity

10) Nasopharynx: uppermost portion of the throat

11) Pleura: membranes lining the thorax and lungs

12) Pharynx: the throat

13) Oropharynx: section located after the nasopharynx

14) Trachea: tubular air pipe between the larynx and bronchi

15) Sinuses: air-filled cavities in the skull

c. Identify the structure and function of the respiratory system.

1) Structure

a) Arteries: The pulmonary artery carries blood from the right ventricle in the heart to the lungs for oxygen.

b) Vein: Pulmonary veins are large blood vessels that receive the oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium in the heart.

c) Capillaries: These are small blood vessels that surround each alveolus. Alveoli exchange the oxygen for carbon dioxide, aiding in the transfer of oxygen into the blood and carbon dioxide out of it in a gas exchange.

d) Airways

1) Upper: includes the nostrils, nares, and vocal cords (larynx)

2) Lower: trachea, lungs, bronchus, bronchioles, and alveoli

e) Respiratory tract: the mouth, nose, throat, and lungs, through which air passes during breathing

f) Muscles: The external intercostal muscles are located between the ribs. The diaphragm is a muscle located between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. The intercostal muscles and diaphragm aid in breathing by contracting.

g) Thoracic cage (also referred to as the rib cage): The thoracic cage contains bones and cartilage that surround the thoracic cavity (heart and lungs).

h) Gas exchange: Oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the tiny air sacs (called alveoli) in the bronchial tubes. Inhalation causes oxygen to travel from the alveoli to the surrounding capillaries and into the bloodstream. Carbon dioxide moves in the opposite direction—bloodstream to capillaries into alveoli. Exhaling releases carbon dioxide from the lungs.

2) Lungs

a) The chest contains two lungs (right side and left side). The lungs are made up of different sections that are called lobes. The purpose of the lungs is to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide.

b) Terminal sacs (the alveoli): This is where gas exchange occurs.

d. Describe major diseases that affect the respiratory system.

1) Atelectasis: incomplete expansion or collapse of part or all of the lung

2) Pneumonia: inflammation of the lungs caused by a bacterial or viral infection where the air sacs become infected

3) Emphysema: chronic pulmonary disease resulting in the destruction of air spaces

4) Bronchitis: inflammation of the mucous membranes in the bronchial tubes causing bronchospasm, coughing, and difficulty breathing

5) Asthma: inflammation and swelling severely narrowing the airways, causing shortness of breath

6) Pneumothorax: a large volume of air that forms in the pleural space that separates the pleural membranes

7) Pleural effusion: accumulation of fluid within the pleural space, caused by inflammation or infection of the pleura or lungs

8) Empyema: localized collection of pus in the thoracic cavity from an infection in the lungs

9) Laryngitis: hoarseness, possibly losing the voice, caused by swelling and inflammation in the larynx

10) Tuberculosis: lung infection caused a bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) spread by air-borne droplets

e. Describe major laboratory and diagnostic tests used to assess respiratory diseases.

1) Arterial blood gases: a blood test used to measure the acidity (pH) and the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lung to assess for breathing issues

2) Sputum culture: Sputum is thick mucus from the lungs and airways. A culture is a test that identifies bacteria or fungi.

3) Oxygen: a blood test to assess low or high oxygen levels to assess for breathing issues

4) Carbon dioxide: Blood tests can determine carbon dioxide level in the blood to determine blood pH levels and assess for breathing issues.

5) Pulmonary function testing: pulmonary testing that measures lung function by assessing lung capacity and lung or chest wall mechanics. This is generally performed in a respiratory therapy department. Patients breathe through a machine while results are recorded.

6) Pulse oximetry: a noninvasive test used to measure a patient’s oxygen level. A probe is connected to a finger or sometimes the earlobe. The test measures percentage of oxygen. This is uses to assess low oxygen levels.

7) Chest X-ray: noninvasive testing that produces an image of the chest, including the heart, lungs, vessels, and bones to assess for any abnormality

f. Describe the main health care providers for the respiratory department.

1) The pulmonologist specializes in disorders of the respiratory system. Respiratory therapy is the assessment and treatment of breathing disorders.

2) The cardiothoracic surgeon is a physician that specializes in the surgical treatment of organs in the chest.

3) Respiratory therapists receive specialized training on treating patients with respiratory disorders. The therapist can perform testing, assess and diagnosis any breathing disorders, and provide treatments that have been ordered by the physician. The therapists are graduates from associate, bachelors, or masters programs.

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