Week 5: Anatomy & Physiology of Respiratory System.

Objective 

To give students a comprehensive understanding of the respiratory system's structure and function, gas exchange process, and common respiratory disorders relevant to patient care. 

Day 1 - Introduction to the Respiratory System 

  • Topics Covered: 

    • Overview and functions of the respiratory system 

    • Components: upper & lower respiratory tracts 

    • Role in oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange 

    • Relationship between respiratory and cardiovascular systems 

  • Activities: 

    • Lecture & visual diagrams 

    • Class discussion: importance of respiration 

    • Labeling exercise: respiratory organs 

Day 2 - Anatomy of the Upper Respiratory Tract 

  • Topics Covered: 

    • Structures: nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx 

    • Functions of each structure 

    • Protective mechanisms: mucus, cilia, sneezing reflex 

  • Activities: 

    • Diagram labeling of upper respiratory tract 

    • Group discussion: how colds affect the upper airway 

    • Mini quiz on upper respiratory anatomy 

Day 3 - Anatomy of the Lower Respiratory Tract 

  • Topics Covered: 

    • Structures: trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, lungs, alveoli 

    • Lung lobes and pleural membranes 

    • Blood supply to the lungs 

  • Activities: 

    • Model demonstration of lung anatomy 

    • Worksheet on lung lobes and segments 

    • Interactive diagram of alveolar gas exchange.

Day 4 - Physiology of Respiration 

  • Topics Covered: 

    • Mechanics of breathing: inspiration & expiration 

    • Role of diaphragm and intercostal muscles 

    • Pulmonary ventilation, external respiration, internal respiration 

    • Regulation of breathing by the brainstem 

  • Activities: 

    • Breathing simulation activity 

    • Case discussion: effects of respiratory muscle weakness 

    • Matching exercise: phases of respiration to descriptions 

Day 5 - Common Respiratory Disorders 

  • Topics Covered: 

    • Asthma

    • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

    • Pneumonia

    • Tuberculosis 

    • Lung cancer - Signs, symptoms

    • Basic treatment approaches 

    • Preventive measures: smoking cessation, infection control 

  • Activities: 

    • Group case studies on respiratory disorders 

    • Role-play: patient education on asthma inhaler use 

    • End-of-week review quiz 

Assessment & Homework 

  • Assessment: 

    • End-of-week quiz (20-25 questions: multiple choice, labeling, short answer) 

  • Homework: 

    • Read respiratory system chapter in A&P textbook 

    • Complete labeling worksheets for lungs and airways 

    • Prepare a short presentation on one respiratory disorder