Respiratory System and Functional Anatomy

Abstract

The functional anatomy of the respiratory system and mechanism of respiration.

The respiratory system consists of nostrils, nasopharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli duct and alveoli. The structures included from nostrils to terminal bronchioles will have 16 divisions, while the remaining structures show 7 divisions, giving a total of 23 divisions for the respiratory tract. The divisions are formed by the repeated branching of each segment of the tract.

Structures like trachea and main bronchi have cartilage in their wall and lined by pseudo stratified columnar epithelial cells. The cartilage gives patency to the tract and the ciliated columnar epithelial cells perform escalator function, which pushes the duct particles towards pharynx. There are also goblets cells and mucus secreting glands, which secrete mucus. The mucus secretion helps in clearing foreign bodies and dust particles.