Anatomy & Physiology: The Respiratory System The lungs provide oxygen to the extracellular fluid for use by the cells and remove carbon dioxide that is formed in the cells. Anatomy The respiratory system begins at the nostrils, travels through the nose cavity via the pharynx at the back of the throat and continues down the larynx which houses the vocal cords and then via the trachea, ‘windpipe’ and divides into two bronchi that enter each lung. The bronchi continue to divide, resembling a well branching tree that extends to the edges of the lungs. The small air spaces at the very end of the branches (bronchioles) are called ‘alveoli’. The diaphragm is a large parachute shaped muscle at the base of the rib cage. As it contracts it flattens and draws air into the lungs. 38 Physiology The alveoli are surrounded by capillaries, tiny arterial blood vessels. The alveoli have super thin walls that allow direct gas exchange to and from the capillaries. This gas exchange is ‘ventilation’. Good ventilation improves oxygenation of the blood and removal of carbon dioxide. Good ventilation prevents and assists recovery of respiratory conditions. Yoga Extensions open the front chest and improve lung ventilation. Twists free the spine assisting extension. Arms over head lift and open the side rib cage contributing to improved ventilation. Deep breathing encourages air to reach more alveoli. When we expand the ribs at the base of our chest on an inhalation the diaphragm draws air to the base of the lungs. The base of the lungs is where they are largest and so inhaling to the base improves ventilation. Variations from Adults ● A child’s trachea (windpipe) is much more pliable and smaller in diameter than an adult and so hyper extension or hyper flexion of the neck may lead to complete or partial occlusion of the airway. ● A child’s heart occupies more chest space than an adult and so child have less ability to increase volume within the lungs. ● The depth of diaphragm expansion is limited in children because the relative size of their abdominal organs is large and compromises space. It is therefore particularly important that children sit tall when concentrating on breathing awareness. ● Children have higher respiratory rates.