The respiratory System involves:
- (1) the nasal cavity for filtering, moistening, and warming the air
- (2) the pharynx or throat which is the combining point for respiratory and digestive system
- (3) larynx or voice box containing the epiglottis
- (4) trachea, or windpipe
- (5) bronchus, breathing tubes of the lungs
- (6) lungs primary organs of respiration
- (7) the respiratory membranes consisting of the alveoli and surrounding capillary network of the pulmonary loop of the circulatory system
The critical pathway between the respiratory and digestive systems is the cartilage flap epiglottis which shuts during swallowing to prevent aspiration. The epiglottis is normally open to support respiration and shuts during swallowing to prevent food and fluids from entering the trachea, activating the gag reflex or initiates the choking mechanism.
The respiratory system is involved in ventilation (physiology) and cellular respiration. Its functioning during oral procedures and surgery is essential to good patient care. If the patient stops breathing, heart failure will result within four to six minutes. The use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and rescue breathing may be required to revive the patient.
Other illnesses that may present a concern to the health care professional include: influenza, pulmonary embolism, cystic fibrosis, and respiratory distress syndrome, ARDS.
Read more about this topic: Head And Neck Anatomy
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