NURS 371 Lecture Notes - Lecture 31: Pulmonary Embolism, Shallow Breathing, Wheeze
Document Summary
Respiratory diagnostics: nose- warms and humidifies air. Nasal cavity is divided by septum: sinuses- air filled cavities surrounding nasal passages, pharynx- entrance to esophagus. Passageway to respiratory and digestive system: larnyx- voice box. made up of cartilage. Lower respiratory tract: trachea: anterior to esophagus. ~6 inches long: 2 main stem bronchi. More likely to aspirate on the right lung. Made up of connective tissue: alveolar ducts: end in cluster called alveolar sacs, alveoli- up to 300 million in adults. Pores of kohn: tiny passages that allow some air to pass through septa from one alveoli to another allowing for even distribution of air between alveoli. Alveoli contains surfactant (lipoprotein coating inner surface of alveoli that helps to expand alveoli during inspiration) Helps to absorb lymph (serous fluid in pleural cavity) Lower pressure so can accept cardiac output at all times. Similar to veins in systemic circulation, but no valves. Supply lung tissue, visceral pleura, and lymph nodes.
