The Respiratory System Has a Resourceful Defense Organization; A Review

V.I Iyawe,A Omorogiuwa

doi:10.4314/jasem.v22i11.24

Abstract

The respiratory system is essentially made up of a channel which starts from the nostrils and ends in the alveoli. Although it is primarily adapted for gaseous exchange, it has a resourceful defense organization which traverses the nose to the alveoli. Defense structures include fine hairs, mucous membrane in the nostrils, ciliated epithelium in the tracheobronchial tree and immune cells in all parts of the respiratory tract to the alveoli. Thus in studying the anatomy and physiology of respiratory system ,the non-respiratory function of defense should attract adequate attention as partial or whole dysfunction of the respiratory tract not only has a potential capacity of compromising gaseous exchange but also attenuating the functional defense structures of the respiratory system. This review is thus aimed at bringing to lime light the defense functions of the respiratory system being one of the gateways to the entire body system. The review shows that the respiratory system is very versatile in its defense functions and this should be kept in view by Respiratory Physicians when managing respiratory conditions as this will ultimately brighten the overall outcome. Keywords : Respiratory system, Gaseous exchange, Defense function

Highlights

The respiratory system is essentially made up of a channel which starts from the nostrils and ends in the alveoli
Defense Functions: The defense functions of the respiratory system include (i) passive innate response or functional anatomy of the respiratory system in relation to defense function (ii) active innate response or response based on defensins, cathelicidins, alveolar macrophages, antimicrobial activity of surfactant/lung fluids (iii) Adaptative immune response or response based on T and B lymphocytes
In synergy with the moist mucus membrane to trap foreign bodies. This action is further potentiated by the presence of ciliated epithelium with the cilia beating towards the pharynx so that foreign particles that are proximal to the pharynx can be swallowed

Summary

Introduction

The respiratory system is essentially made up of a channel which starts from the nostrils and ends in the alveoli. The human respiratory system is functionally structured for the utilization of atmospheric oxygen for its day to day metabolic activities and continued existence.

Results

Conclusion