Summary NR 507 Advanced Pathophysiology Final Exam Study

Chapter 35: Structure and Function of the Pulmonary System Tara Morgan The primary function of the pulmonary system is the exchange of gases between the environmental air and the blood. • Ventilation, the movement of air into and out of the lungs○ Diffusion, the movement of gases between air spaces in the lungs and the bloodstream ○ Perfusion, the movement of blood into and out of the capillary beds of the lungs to body organs and tissues ○ There are three steps in this process:• The first two functions (ventilation and diffusion) are carried out by the pulmonary system and the third (perfusion) by the cardiovascular system. • Normally the pulmonary system functions efficiently under a variety of conditions and with little energy expenditure. • Structures of the Pulmonary System The pulmonary system includes two lungs and the upper and lower airways, and the blood vessels that serve them; the chest wall, or thoracic cage; and the diaphragm. • 3 in the right lung (upper, middle, lower)○ 2 in the left lung (upper, lower)○ The lungs are divided into lobes:• Each lobe is further divided into segments and lobules. • The mediastinum is the space between the lungs and contains the heart, great vessels, and esophagus. • A set of conducting airways, or bronchi, delivers air to each section of the lung.• The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities and is involved in ventilation.