It is the medical use of oxygen to help people who cannot get enough oxygen on their own. It is given to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood and improve tissue oxygenation. This therapy is commonly used for patients with breathing problems, low oxygen saturation, or certain heart and lung conditions. Oxygen can be delivered through devices like nasal cannulas, face masks, or ventilators. The goal is to maintain normal oxygen levels and prevent complications caused by hypoxia.
Oxygen Therapy
It is the setup used to store, regulate, and deliver oxygen to a patient. The system ensures that oxygen is given at the correct flow rate and concentration.
Oxygen System
This is the overall process by which the body takes in oxygen and gets rid of carbon dioxide. It includes breathing, gas exchange in the lungs, and the use of oxygen by body cells. Oxygen enters the blood through the lungs, while carbon dioxide is removed as a waste product.This is essential for producing energy needed by the body to function.
Respiration
This is the physical movement of air into and out of the lungs. It involves breathing in oxygen-rich air and breathing out carbon dioxide-rich air.This can occur naturally through normal breathing or with the help of machines like ventilators. Effective ventilation ensures that enough air reaches the lungs for gas exchange
Ventilation
This is the process of breathing air into the lungs. the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, allowing the lungs to expand. This creates a pressure change that pulls air into the lungs. Oxygen from the inhaled air then moves into the bloodstream. This is an active process that requires muscle effort.
Inspiration
This is the process of breathing air out of the lungs. the diaphragm relaxes and moves upward, causing the lungs to shrink. This pushes carbon dioxide out of the lungs and into the air.
Expiration
Trace the physiology of respiration.
Structure of the Respiratory System
Upper Respiratory System
Nose
Nasal Cavity
Nasal Conchae
Paranasal Sinuses
Pharynx
A. Nasopharynx
B. Oropharynx
C. Laryngopharynx
Lower Respiratory System
Trachea
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Alveolar Ducts
Alveoli and Alveolar Sacs
What is the process by which oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide leaves the blood at the level of the alveoli.
Alveolar gas exchange
Alveolar gas exchange is the process by which oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide leaves the blood at the level of the alveoli.
It occurs in the respiratory membrane, which is made of:
The alveolar wall
The capillary wall
A thin layer of fluid between them
Physiology of Respiration
Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Gas Exchange
Transport of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide
Respiratory Regulation
Respiratory centers in the brain
Breathing is controlled automatically by centers in the brainstem:
- Generates the basic breathing rhythm
- Controls inspiration and expiration
Medulla oblongata
Respiratory Regulation
Respiratory regulation refers to how the body controls the rate and depth of breathing to maintain normal levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and blood pH.
THE REGULATORS OF RESPIRATION
- Respiratory centers in the brain
Breathing is controlled automatically by centers in the brainstem:
Medulla oblongata
- Generates the basic breathing rhythm
- Controls inspiration and expiration
Pons
- Modifies and smoothens the breathing pattern
- Prevents irregular or abrupt breathing
Respiratory centers in the brain
Breathing is controlled automatically by centers in the brainstem:
- Modifies and smoothens the breathing pattern
- Prevents irregular or abrupt breathing
Pons
Chemoreceptors
Breathing is mainly regulated by carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels, not oxygen.
There are two types of chemoreceptors:
A. Central chemoreceptors (medulla)
Detect changes in CO₂ and pH in cerebrospinal fluid
Very sensitive to increased CO₂
B. Peripheral chemoreceptors (carotid and aortic bodies)
Detect changes in:
Oxygen (O₂)
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
pH
Normal Respiratory Rate of
Newborn and Infants (1-12 months)
30-60 breaths/min
Normal Respiratory Rate of
Preschool (3-5 years)
20-28 breaths/min
Normal Respiratory Rate of
Adolescent (12-17 years)
12-20 breaths/min
Normal Respiratory Rate of
Toddler (1-2 years)
22-37 breaths/min
Normal Respiratory Rate of
School-age (6-11 years)
18-25 breaths/min
Normal Respiratory Rate of
Adult (18-64 years)
12-20 breaths/min
The percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that is carrying oxygen, showing how well oxygen is delivered to the body.
Oxygen Saturation
Normal Respiratory Rate of
Elderly (>64 years)
15-22 breaths/min
The pattern and regularity of breathing, indicating whether breaths are evenly spaced or irregular.
Respiratory rhythm
This is a pathological condition in which there is an insufficient amount of oxygen available to meet the metabolic needs of body tissues, resulting from impaired oxygen intake, transport, or utilization at the cellular level.
Hypoxia
