Atemtrakts

Atemtrakts, or the respiratory tract, denotes the organ system responsible for drawing in air, filtering and conditioning it, and exchanging gases between the air and the bloodstream. It extends from the nasal and oral cavities to the alveolar surfaces in the lungs, and it is commonly divided into upper and lower segments.

The upper respiratory tract comprises the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. The lower respiratory tract includes the trachea, the main bronchi, bronchioles, and the lungs, ending in alveolar sacs where oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide release occur.

The tract performs several key functions: conducting air to the lungs, warming and humidifying inspired air, filtering particulates, and facilitating gas exchange. It also defends against pathogens through mucociliary clearance, immune cells, and cough reflexes.

Breathing is regulated by neural centers in the brainstem, with automatic control responsive to carbon dioxide and oxygen levels, and voluntary control mediated by the cerebral cortex. Mechanical movements of the chest, driven by the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, create pressure differences that draw air in and push it out.

Clinical relevance: problems can arise at any level, including rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, and obstructions from trauma or foreign bodies, all of which can impair airflow and gas exchange.

Development and variation: the tract develops from foregut structures in the embryo; anatomical differences exist between individuals and across species.