Anatomy and Physiology

Learn what the esophagus is and why it matters in respiratory care, from aspiration risk to airway management and ventilation.

Learn what lung elasticity is, how it affects breathing, and why it’s essential for respiratory therapists and ventilator management.

Learn what the dead space to tidal volume ratio (VD/VT) is, how it’s calculated, and why it matters in respiratory care and ventilation.

Discover how cilia protect the lungs and why mucociliary clearance is essential in respiratory therapy and airway health.

Learn about intercostal muscles, their role in breathing, and why they are essential for ventilation and respiratory care practice.

Learn what the laryngopharynx is, its functions, and why it is important for airway protection and respiratory care.

Learn the structure and function of the oropharynx and its role in airway protection, swallowing, and respiratory care.

Learn the structure and function of the nasopharynx and why it plays a vital role in airway management and respiratory care.

Learn what the carina is, where it’s located, and why it’s a critical airway landmark for safe intubation and respiratory care.

Learn how the vagus nerve regulates breathing, airway reflexes, and heart rate, and why it is essential in respiratory care and therapy.

Learn what work of breathing is, what increases it, and why it’s important in respiratory care and ventilator management.

Learn what erythrocytes (red blood cells) are, their role in oxygen transport, and why they are important in respiratory care.

Learn what leukocytes are, their role in immune defense, and why white blood cells matter in respiratory care and lung disease.

Learn about the diaphragm, its role in breathing, and why it’s vital for respiratory therapists in patient care and recovery.

Learn about dead space ventilation, its types, causes, and clinical significance in respiratory care and critical care settings.

Learn whether the lungs are a muscle, how they function in breathing, and which muscles actually control airflow in the body.

Learn what the sternum is, how it supports breathing, and why it’s an essential structure for respiratory therapists and patient care.

Learn what the pharynx is, its structure and function, and why it’s important in respiratory care, especially for respiratory therapists.

Discover where the lungs are located, how they function, and why their position in the chest is vital for breathing and overall health.

Learn what hemoglobin is, how it carries oxygen and carbon dioxide, and why it’s essential in respiratory care.