Respiratory Physiology: The Breath of Life

The respiratory system is the gateway of life, ensuring oxygen delivery, carbon dioxide removal, and maintaining acid-base balance in the body. This book provides a thorough yet concise exploration of human respiratory physiology, covering everything from the functional anatomy of the lungs and airways to the mechanics of breathing, gas exchange, and regulation of respiration. Special attention is given to applied and clinical aspects, including pulmonary function testing, arterial blood gases, abnormal breathing patterns, respiratory diseases (like asthma, COPD, and pneumonia), high-altitude physiology, and artificial ventilation. Designed as a handbook-style resource, it is ideal for medical, dental, nursing, and allied health students, as well as practitioners seeking a practical reference. Key Learning Outcomes: Understand the structure and function of the respiratory tract, lungs, pleura, and respiratory muscles. Learn the mechanics of breathing, lung volumes and capacities, and gas exchange at alveolar and tissue levels. Explore regulation of respiration through nervous and chemical mechanisms. Apply physiology to clinical scenarios including abnormal respiration, hypoxia, hypercapnea, pulmonary diseases, and oxygen therapy. Gain insight into specialized physiology including high-altitude, aviation, space, and deep-sea adaptations. Table of Contents: Functional Anatomy of the Respiratory Tract Mechanics of Breathing & Respiratory Volumes Pulmonary Function Testing & Gas Exchange Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Transport Regulation of Respiration Applied Respiratory Physiology Abnormal Breathing & Respiratory Disorders High-Altitude, Aviation, and Space Physiology Artificial and Mechanical Ventilation