In the article, we consider the development of the respiratory system.
Most of the metabolic processes in tissues and cells proceed with the participation of oxygen. The process of oxygen supply from the atmosphere to the blood is called external respiration, which is carried out by a complex of respiratory organs. In total, the respiratory surface area is about 160 square centimeters, which is about 80 times the surface of the entire dermis, and the total number of alveoli in the lungs reaches 300 million.
Internal respiration
They also distinguish internal respiration - the process of gas exchange between cells and blood. Here the respiratory complex is not directly involved, however, it is impossible without the external.
Non-respiratory function
The respiratory complex, in addition to the main function of gas exchange, performs some non-respiratory functions that are associated with metabolism and blood circulation: the lungs take part in lipid metabolism, activation of certain biological substances, the development of coagulation factors, and regulation of heat transfer. In addition, they purify the air of germs and dust, participate in immune reactions, and perform a protective function. An important role in the physiology of the respiratory system and the body as a whole is played by the endocrine components of the epithelium of the respiratory tract.
The respiratory system includes the respiratory tract and airways.
Respiratory system development
The trachea, bronchi and the respiratory department of the lungs develop from the material of the ventral wall located in the anterior intestine and which is a derivative of the prechordal plate.
In the process of lung development, three stages are distinguished. The glandular stage embryogenesis covers at 5-16 weeks. During this period, the lungs look like a tubular gland. At the same stage, the formation of airways occurs. At the canalicular stage (4-6 months), respiratory bronchioles develop. This process is accompanied by the intense proliferation of capillaries. During the alveolar stage (6–9 months), alveoli and alveolar passages form.
The epithelium is of prechordal origin and develops in the respiratory section and airways. The process is accompanied by the formation of respiratory epithelial cells, endocrinocytes, goblet exocrinocytes, ciliary epithelial cells and other cellular differentones that interact with each other during functioning. The capillary network surrounding the alveoli, the elastic cartilage and hyaline tissue of the bronchi, the smooth muscle tissue, the fibrous connective tissue are differentiated from the mesenchyme that surrounds the bronchial tree. Nerve elements are derivatives of the neural tube.
Alveoli have a collapsed state throughout embryogenesis. After the baby is born and takes the first breath, they are filled with air, expand and straighten.
Not everyone is aware of the development of the respiratory system.
Air function
The air-conducting function is performed by intrapulmonary and extrapulmonary bronchi, trachea, larynx, nasopharynx, nasal cavity. Inhaled air in the airways is cleaned from dust, moistened, heated to a temperature close to body temperature.
In the nasal cavity, the olfactory and respiratory regions, the vestibule, are distinguished. The vestibule is lined with a stratified squamous epithelium, which has short bristled hairs that clean the air of dust impurities. As the epithelium deepens, it becomes not keratinized, and the glands and hair disappear. The respiratory region is lined with a membrane consisting of a ciliary multilayer epithelium and its own connective tissue plate. The structure of the epithelium is dominated by goblet exocrinocytes and ciliary epithelial cells.
In the frontal and maxillary sinuses, the epithelium is similar in structure to the epithelial layer of the respiratory part in the nasal cavity.
Vices
Among the congenital malformations of the human respiratory system are:
- Congenital diaphragmatic hernia, in which there is a movement into the chest cavity of the abdominal organs.
- Williams-Campbell syndrome, characterized by generalized congenital bronchiectasis, due to the absence of cartilage. What other malformations of the respiratory system do humans have?
- Congenital bronchiectasis, in which there is a segmental expansion of the bronchi due to hypoplasia of their elements.
- Intralobar sequestration, which is a cystic hypoplasia of the lung.
- Hypoplasia of the lung, in which there is insufficient development of the respiratory department and a violation of the branching of the bronchi.
Risk factors
Consider the main risk factors for developing diseases of the respiratory system.
Specialists distinguish between removable and fatal factors. By unremovable heredity. Some pathologies arise due to the action of a hereditary factor, for example, bronchial asthma.
Among the disposable factors, there are: smoking, exposure to allergens and occupational harmful substances (alkalis, acid fumes, dust), air pollution, obesity, malnutrition, weakened immunity.
Means and methods of the development of the respiratory system
To minimize the likelihood of developing pathologies of the respiratory system, it is recommended to adhere to a number of tips:
- It is necessary to stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Smoking is a determining factor in the development of obstructive pathologies, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, lung cancer.
- The effects of substances and allergens harmful to the respiratory system should be minimized. These include industrial substances, smog, pollen, caustic smoke, chemical fumes, dust.
- It is important to strengthen the immune system. Being in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces contributes to the weakening of the respiratory organs.
- It is important to control your own weight.
- It is necessary to adhere to the rules of a healthy diet, make sure that the diet is saturated with vitamins, trace elements, nutrients.
Periodic medical monitoring of the state of the respiratory system is important. Thus, the development of the respiratory system and its health are completely dependent on the person.