The role of the Respiratory System

Excerpts from previous naturopathy assignments HLT60512. 

Describe the role of the respiratory system (include pulmonary function, gas exchange and regulation and adjustment of respiration)?

The Respiratory System carries oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (Co2) to and from the blood respectively. Pulmonary function (PF) pertains to lung mechanics such as gas exchange, pulmonary blood flow and blood gases. Test used to measure PF include Total Lung Capacity (TC) and Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV). Healthy gas exchange is vital to blood pH as low saturation of Oxygen increases the pH of blood. Adjustment of respiration is an autonomic response in the correction of blood pH levels, as breathing rates will increase or decrease depending on oxygen status of the blood (Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, 2003). See appendix. 8

Pulmonary Function Tests

Miller Keane 2003 state: ‘Pulmonary function tests used to evaluate lung mechanics, gas exchange, pulmonary blood flow, and blood gases and pH…(Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, 2003)

Total lung capacity (TLC) tests have 4 parts:

The tidal volume (VT), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) expiratory reserve volume (ERV) residual volume (RV)

Other tests are: Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) & (FEV) & Maximal Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) (Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, 2003).

Gas Exchange

Gas exchange is the passage of oxygen and carbon dioxide in opposite directions across the alveolocapillary membrane (MillerKeane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, 2003)

Regulation and adjustment of respiration

Adjustment of respiration can occur by change of rate and depth or breathing to increase O2 of blood and removal of Co2

Miller Keane Dictionary 2003 defines respiration as:

1. the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the body cells, including inhalation and exhalation, diffusion of oxygen from the pulmonary alveoli to the blood and of carbon dioxide from the blood to the alveoli, followed by the transport of oxygen to and carbon dioxide from the body cells. 

2. The metabolic processes by which living cells break down carbohydrates, amino acids, and fats to produce energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP); called also cell respiration (Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, 2003).

Heather Indiana Rose

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