Lecture Notes: Respiratory Tract Pathway

Introduction

• Simple Nursing platform helps nursing students pass exams.
• Presentation by Dr. Mike on the respiratory tract.

Pathway of Air

• Air inspiration process follows a path from the outer atmosphere into the lungs.

Conducting Pathways

1. Nasal Cavity

   • Initial entry point for inspired air.

2. Pharynx

   • Air moves from nasal cavity to the pharynx.
   • Three parts of the pharynx:
     • Nasopharynx: Nasal portion.
     • Oropharynx: Oral portion.
     • Laryngopharynx: Near the larynx.

3. Oral Cavity

   • Alternative entry for air when inhaled through the mouth.

4. Larynx

   • Follows the pharynx in the pathway.
   • Marks the end of the Upper Respiratory Tract.

Upper Respiratory Tract

• Comprises nasal cavity, pharynx (all three parts), and larynx.
• Important in clinical diagnosis of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs).

Lower Respiratory Tract

1. Trachea

   • Air proceeds through the trachea.

2. Bifurcation

   • Trachea splits into left and right branches.
   • Known as bifurcation.

3. Bronchi

   • Post-bifurcation, air travels through the left and right main stem bronchi.

Conclusion

• Understanding of the respiratory tract is essential for clinical contexts, especially in diagnosing respiratory tract infections.
• Simple Nursing offers resources to enhance learning and exam preparation.