| The respiratory
system is complex but essential for human functioning. Any
difficulties with breathing can affect the overall quality
of a person's life. The primary function of the respiratory
system is gas exchange, which involves delivering oxygen to
the cells, while removing carbon dioxide. Other functions
include the production and integration of surfactant and
other chemicals, defenses against infection, and the
detoxification of drugs and toxins. |
One major complication of
respiratory problems, is
pneumothorax.
It is important to be able to
assess and understand adventitious sounds. The RALE
repository provides
lung sounds. With audio capabilities, you can locate the
desired sound, and click on the WAV button, not "real
audio". It takes a while to download the sound. |
| Several other
factors affect the work of breathing, including the forces
of atmospheric pressure. A site for understanding this and
other various aspects of respiratory function, is
Interactive Respiratory Physiology. |
The definition of
pneumothorax, is a condition in which air or gas has escaped
into the pleural space. The condition can be classified as
either closed (spontaneous), or
open (traumatic) pneumothorax. Select any of the links
in the list below to access additional information. |
