Respiratòries

Respiratòries is a Catalan term whose feminine plural form means relating to respiration or the respiratory system. It is used as an adjective to describe structures, processes, or pathways involved in breathing, and appears in phrases such as vies respiratòries (respiratory tracts) or sistema respiratori.

In anatomy and physiology, the primary function is gas exchange: bringing oxygen from the air into the bloodstream and removing carbon dioxide produced by metabolism. The process comprises ventilation (the movement of air in and out of the lungs) and external respiration (gas exchange at the alveolar level), supported by diffusion across thin membranes and the circulatory system.

The human respiratory apparatus includes the upper airways (nasal passages, pharynx, larynx), the lower airways (trachea, bronchi, bronchioles), and the lungs, which contain alveoli where gas exchange occurs. Respiratory muscles, notably the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, enable breathing by changing thoracic volume. The lungs’ large surface area and the presence of surfactant help maintain efficient gas transfer and prevent alveolar collapse.

Regulation of respiration is primarily controlled by brainstem centers, with input from chemical sensors that monitor blood oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels. Oxygen is carried by hemoglobin in red blood cells, while carbon dioxide is transported mainly as bicarbonate in the blood.

Usage of respiratòries extends across medical, veterinary, and comparative anatomy contexts to describe components and pathways involved in breathing. Abnormalities or diseases of these structures—such as infections, obstructive or restrictive conditions, and trauma—can impact ventilation and gas exchange.