Non Respiratory

functions of
Respiratory
System
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Non-Respiratory Functions of
Respiratory system
Immunity (Lung defense Mechanisms)
- Cilia provides trapping & strain out of foreign particles >
10 u

-Air-conditioning function- Warming & Cooling

- Humidification
- Immunoglobulin (Ig-A) in secretions
-PNS (epithelium produce NO which is Bacteriostatic)
- Alveolar Macrophages- Particles < 2 u

Reflexes:
- Sneeze Reflex
- Cough Reflex
- Nasopulmonary Reflex

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Non- Respiratory functions of

Respiratory System Contd.
Endocrine functions
1. Synthesized and used inside the lungs - (surfactant )
2. Synthesized or stored & Released into the blood
A. Prostaglandins
B. Histamine
C. Kallikrein

3. Activated in the Lungs ( Angiotensin- I )

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Non-Respiratory functions of
Respiratory System
. Storage functions - blood

Phonation (speech)

Regulatory Functions:
-Acid-Base Balance
- Water Balance
- Body Temperature ( Insensible Perspiration)

Maintain shape of the thoracic cage

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Hypoxia
Definition.

Oxygen deficiency at the tissue level.

Anoxia means absence of O2 at the tissue level.

TYPES:
1. Hypoxic Hypoxia - PO2 of the arterial
blood is low

2. Anemic Hypoxia - Amount of Hb. To carry O2

is Low

3. Stagnant or Ischemic Hypoxia- Blood flow

to the tissue is low

4. Histotoxic Hypoxia Tissue cant utilize O2

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Hypoxic Hypoxia
Caususes:
A. Low PO2 in the inspired air which include:
1. High Altitude
2. Breathing Gas mixture having Low PO2
3. Breathing in closed space

B. Decreased Pulmonary Ventilation due to

Respiratory Disorders.
1. Obstructive Lung diseases e.g Asthma
2. Mechanical or Nervous Disorders
3. Depression of Respiratory centre
4. Pneumothorax

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Types of Hypoxia
C. Inadequate Oxygenation of Blood due to
Respiratory Disorders Which includes:
1. Impaired alveolar Diffusion eg.Emphysema

2. Non Functioning Alveoli e.g Fibrosis

3. Pulmonary Oedema
4. Lack of Surfactant . Collapse of lungs
5. Pneumothorax or HAemothorax.

D. Cardiac Disorders
1. Cogestive Heart Failure (CCF)
2. Veno-arterial Shunts
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ii. Anaemic Hypoxia

Reduced O2 carrying capacity due to:
1 . decreased number of RBCs
2. Decreased amount of Hb
3. Met Hb.

iii.-Stagnant Hypoxia
Due to decreased velocity of blood flow.
1. CCF
2. Hemorrhagic Shock
3. Vasoconstriction (vasospasm
4. Thrombo-embolism

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iv. Histotoxic Hypoxia

Inability of the tissue to utilize O2.
1. Cyanide or
2. Sulfide Poisoning

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Effects of Hypoxia

1. - On Blood
2. - On CVS
3. - On Respiration
4. - On Kidney -Erythropoietin
5. - On CNS
DELAYED effects of Hypoxia
Treatmentt. - O2 Therapy
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Cyanosis
Dusky bluish discoloration of the skin or
mucous membrane
Appears when the reduced Hb. Concentration of
the blood in the capillaries is

> 5 gm/100ml of blood.

Types:
1. Central Cyanosis
2. Peripheral Cyanosis

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Orthopnoea
Dyspnoea on lying flat:
Causes:
Decreased Movement of Diaphragm (by viscera)
> Pulm Vent > DYSPNOEA
Increased mobilization of tissue fluid
( Hydrostatic effect)
> pulmonary Congestion > Decreased Lung Compliance

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