Respiratory System

The respiratory system enables breathing, oxygen exchange, vocalization, immune defense, and pH balance. It includes the lungs, airways, diaphragm, pleura, and extensive vascular networks. Herbs that support this system primarily reduce inflammation, soothe irritated mucosa, modulate immunity, clear congestion, and strengthen overall respiratory function.
Relevant Herbal Actions:
Demulcent
Expectorant
Antitussive
Anti-inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Anticatarrhal
Antispasmodic
Respiratory Tonic
Adaptogen
Immune Stimulant
Immunomodulator
Lymphatic
Antiallergenic
Analgesic (Anodyne)
Vascular Tonic
Herbal Allies:
Licorice
Marshmallow
Lobelia
Cleavers
Echinacea
Schisandra
Eleuthero
Stinging Nettle
Yarrow
Gotu Kola
Rosemary
Meadowsweet
Lemon Balm
Tulsi, Holy Basil
Kava
Rose
  • Pulmonary Ventilation
    • inhalation: diaphragm contracts, thoracic volume ↑
    • exhalation: diaphragm relaxes, volume ↓
  • External Respiration
    • O₂ diffusion into blood
    • CO₂ diffusion into alveoli
  • Internal Respiration
    • O₂ → tissues
    • CO₂ → blood
  • Gas Transport
    • O₂ mostly bound to hemoglobin
    • CO₂ mostly as bicarbonate
  • Blood pH Regulation
    • breath rate adjusts CO₂ → modifies pH
  • Protection + Filtration
    • nasal hairs, mucus, cilia, sneezing, coughing
    • immune factors (IgA, macrophages, lysozyme)
  • Sound Production
    • vibration of vocal folds
  • Olfaction
    • scent molecules → olfactory receptors
  • Thermal & Humidity Regulation
    • warms, humidifies incoming air
    • conserves heat/moisture on exhalation
  • Supports circulation & lymph flow
    • thoracic pressure changes aid venous & lymph return
  • ACE production for BP regulation

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    Upper Respiratory Tract

    • Nasal cavity
      • ciliated pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium
      • mucous membrane
      • vascular connective tissue
    • Pharynx
      • stratified squamous + ciliated epithelium
      • skeletal muscle walls
    • Larynx
      • thyroid, cricoid, epiglottis cartilage
      • skeletal muscles
      • ciliated epithelium

    Lower Respiratory Tract

    • Trachea
      • c-shaped hyaline cartilage rings
      • ciliated epithelium with goblet cells
    • Bronchi
      • cartilage + smooth muscle + ciliated epithelium
    • Bronchioles
      • smooth muscle
      • simple cuboidal epithelium
    • Alveoli
      • simple squamous epithelium
      • elastic fibers surrounded by capillaries

    Lungs

    • Right lung: 3 lobes
    • Left lung: 2 lobes
    • Elastic connective tissue, vascular network, alveoli

    Pleura

    • Visceral + parietal pleura
    • Serous membranes, simple squamous epithelium

    Respiratory Muscles

    • Diaphragm (skeletal muscle, autonomic control)
    • External & internal intercostals

    Alveolus

    • Type I pneumocytes (simple squamous)
    • Type II pneumocytes (surfactant-producing)
    • Alveolar macrophages
    • Capillary endothelium
    • Shared basement membrane

    Neurological + Regulatory

    • Medulla oblongata + pons: rhythm, rate, depth
    • Phrenic nerve: diaphragm control
    • Intercostal nerves
    • Chemoreceptors: detect O₂, CO₂, pH

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