Non - Respiratory Function of Lung

NON _
RESPIRATORY
FUNCTION OF LUNG
INTRODUCTION TO THE NON
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
The respiratory tract antimicrobial

defense system is a layered defense
mechanism which relies on
components of both the innate and
adaptive immune systems to protect
the lungs and the rest of respiratory
tract against inhaled microorganisms
As air passes through the nose large particles are
filtered out by cilia and mucus that is secreted
from mucus membrane lining the nasal cavity
The air then travels through the pharynx which is
last portion of airway
Through the larynx which is the beginning portion
of the lower airway and into trachea
• further filtration of the air occurs as it passes over
cilia and sticky layers of mucus in the trachea
• In addition lymphatic vessels in the wall of the
trachea transport cells of the immune system such
as lymphocytes and macrophages,
• That act to trap and destroy foreign particles.
• Bands of the muscle that surround the cartilage
of the trachea play an important role in narrowing
the airway during coughing thus providing a
forceful defense mechanism by which sputum and
other substances can be quickly expelled from the
respiratory tract .
ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES
• Alveolar macrophages , type of white blood cell on the surface of alveoli , are
another defense mechanism for the lungs .
• Because of the requirements of gas exchange , alveoli are not protected by
mucus and cilia – mucus is too thick and would slow movement of oxygen and
carbon dioxide .
• Alveolar macrophages seek out deposited particles bind to them , ingest them
, kill any that are living , and digest them .
COUGH
 Cough is generated in 4 distinct phases

1. Inspiration
2. Compression of intra thoracic gas against a closed glottis
3. Explosive expulsion as the glottis opens
4. Relaxation of airways
SURFACTANT
Surfactant
 is a surface-active lipoprotein complex
(phospholipoprotein ) formed by type II

alveolar cells
SURFACTANT
SURFACTANT
 Function
1. To increase pulmonary compliance.
2. To prevent atelectasis (collapse of the lung) at the end of expiration.
3. To facilitate recruitment of collapsed airways
4. Alveoli can be compared to gas in water, as the alveoli are wet and surround
a central air space
FUNCTION
• The surface tension acts at the air-water interface and tends to make the
bubble smaller (by decreasing the surface area of the interface). The gas
pressure (P) needed to keep equilibrium between the collapsing force
of surface tension (γ) and the expanding force of gas in an alveolus of
radius r is expressed by the law of Laplace:
• P = 2γ/r
REGULATION OF ACID - BASE BALANCE
• The respiratory system contributes to the balance of acids and bases in the
body by regulating the blood levels of carbonic acid .
• Co2 in the blood readily reacts with water to form carbonic acid and is
converted to HCO3– ions.
•
REGULATION OF ACID – BASE BALANCE
• Lung play a role in maintenance of acid-base balance of body by

regulating the CO2 content in blood.
* CO2 is produced during various metabolite reactions in the tissue of
the body
when it enter the blood, CO2 combines with water to form carbonic
acid (H2CO3)
*Since, carbonic acid is unstable , it splits into hydrogen(H+) and
bicarbonate ions(HCO3-)
CO2 + H2O➡H2CO3 ➡H+ + HCO3-
*Enteric reactions is revealed in lung when CO2 is removed from blood
into the alveoli of lungs
HCO3- + H+ ➡H2CO3 ➡CO2 + H2O
REGULATION OF
As CO2 is a volatile ACID
gas, – BASE BALANCE
it is practically blown out by
ventilation.
*When metabolic activities are accelerated , more
amount of CO2 is produced in the tissues and
Concentration of H+ is also increased . This leads to
reduction in PH.
*Increased H+ ion conc.,cause increased pulmonary
ventilation (hyperventilation) by acting through various
mechanisms like chemoreceptors in aortic & carotid
bodies and in medulla of brain
*Due to hyperventilation, excess of CO2 is removed from
body fluids and the PH is brought back to normal.
REGULATION ACID – BASE BALANCE
REGULATION OF BODY TEMPERATURE
• Alveolar air, under normal conditions, is at

a temperature of 37 °C and alveolar gas is fully
saturated with water vapor at
this temperature, properly humidified and
heated by the components of the upper
respiratory tract walls .
REGULATION OF BODY TEMPERATURE
• In humans, one way the body dissipates excess heat to maintain homeostasis
is through exhalation. Air that enters the lungs is warmed by body heat and
then exhaled. This coupled with the evaporation of sweat from sweat glands
cools the body.
MAINTENANCE OF WATER BALANCE
• Water levels and mineral salts in the blood are controlled to protect animal
cells by stopping too much water from entering or leaving them. The
concentration of water and salts is the same inside and outside of the cells. If
body cells lose or gain too much water by osmosis, they do not function
efficiently.
MAINTENANCE OF WATER BALANCE
• Water and excess carbon dioxide leaves the body via the lungs when
we exhale.
• We cannot control the level of water, ions or urea loss by the lungs or skin. For
example, in a hot climate, your body sweats to help keep you cool. In the
same way, when we breathe out we lose water vapour, and we cannot alter
the amount we lose.
METABOLIC FUNCTION IN LUNGS
• The lungs perform several metabolic functions including gas exchange,

conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II by angiotensin converting enzyme
(ACE), inactivation of vasoactive substances, and protein synthesis
• Angiotensin converting enzyme is found on the surface of capillary endothelial
cells in the lungs. The enzyme catalyzes the conversion of angiotensin I to
angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor.
• Angiotensin converting enzyme is found on the surface of capillary endothelial

cells in the lungs. The enzyme catalyzes the conversion of angiotensin I to
angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor.
• Many vasoactive substances are also inactivated during passage through the
lungs. Bradykinin is inactivated by ACE. Serotonin is also inactivated in the
lungs, not through degradation, but rather through uptake and storage.
• The lungs also contain enzymes that degrade prostaglandins E1, E2, and
F2alpha, as well as norepinephrine.
• The lungs are involved in immune function through production and secretion
of IgA. The lungs also perform synthetic functions including formation of
phospholipids, which form surfactant, as well as collagen and elastin protein
synthesis.

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NON _

The respiratory tract antimicrobial

 Cough is generated in 4 distinct phases

(phospholipoprotein ) formed by type II

• Lung play a role in maintenance of acid-base balance of body by

• Alveolar air, under normal conditions, is at

• The lungs perform several metabolic functions including gas exchange,

• Angiotensin converting enzyme is found on the surface of capillary endothelial

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