33. Introduction to the respiratory system
33. Introduction to the respiratory system
- Gillian Pocock, Gillian PocockSenior Lecturer in Clinical Science, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK
- Christopher D. RichardsChristopher D. RichardsEmeritus Professor of Experimental Physiology, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- and David A. RichardsDavid A. RichardsAssociate Professor, Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Husson University School of Pharmacy, Bangor, Maine, USA
Abstract
This chapter analyses breathing. This is associated with changes in the volume of the chest. It details how the chest is expanded and air enters the lungs during inspiration, while the volume of the chest decreases and air is expelled from the lungs during expiration. This movement of air into and out of the lungs is known as ventilation and the volume of air entering and leaving the lungs each minute is called the minute volume, which is the product of the air taken in each breath and the number of breaths taken each minute. The chapter looks at the mechanisms responsible for the changes in the dimensions of the chest and the factors governing the flow of air in the airways. The volume of air that moves in and out of the chest during breathing can be measured with the aid of a spirometer.
