NURS 203 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Cervical Vertebrae, Thoracic Cavity, Rib Cage
Document Summary
What are we assessing for when we consider the thorax and lungs: limitations to proper breathing mechanics, level of oxygenation, movement of air through the lung fields, general condition of the respiratory system. Thorax is a closed cavity (thoracic cavity) surrounded by a thoracic cage: vertebrae, sternum, diaphragm. Spinous process- project down after t4 (t5 = rib 6) Twelfth rib- floats between spine and post axillary line. Right lung (3 lobes) is shorter than left (2 lobes) Lobes are separated by fissures- oblique (right and left) and horizontal (right) Upper respiratory system- nose, mouth and throat: larynx is the transition between upper and lower. Lower respiratory system- trachea (left and right), bronchi (right bronchus is shorter, wider and more vertical), and the lungs. Conducting portion- nose/ mouth to terminal bronchioles (dead space no gas exchange) Respiratory portion/ zone- respiratory bronchioles to alveoli (acini)
