The Respiratory System and Respiratory Problems

Breathing seems so natural (to those of us who don't have respiratory problems) that it's almost taken for granted.

Most of us consider the lungs to be the respiratory system but by the time air reaches the main lung areas it's passed through the nasal cavity, nasopharynx (at the back of the nasal cavity), mouth or oropharynx, larynx, trachea, main bronchus and bronchiole.

The nasal cavity is two separate parts separated by the septum or nose cartilage. The nasal cavity lies between the palate (top of the roof of the mouth) and the floor of the cranium. This is the primary area where the air we breathe is warmed and moistened. From there air goes to nasopharynx, the soft palate at the back of the nasal cavity and top of the throat, for more warming and moistening. Mucus is present in the entire respiratory system not only to moisten the air but also to catch and trap dust particles and other foreign substances before they can reach the lungs. A runny nose is a messenger and has its purpose. Stopping Nature's messenger can have dire consequences. The larynx is the organ where our voice originates, and acting as a passageway for air, connects the pharynx and the trachea.

The trachea is situated at the front of the neck and is made up of a framework consisting of nine different cartilage. The epiglottis is a small leaf shaped membrane situated immediately behind the root of the tongue and covers the larynx during swallowing. The thyroid cartilage is covered in my article on the thyroid under endocrine glands. The arytenoid consists of two pyramid shaped cartilage that lie at the back of the larynz at the upper edge of the cricoid. The cricoid is shaped like a signet ring and forms part of the anterior and lateral walls, as well as most of the posterior walls, of the larynx. The corniculate and cuneiform cartilage articulates with the metatarsal bones. These various parts and pieces make it possible for speech, swallowing and other functions while the head is turning, moving side to side and pitched forward and back.