The trachea is made up of mainly cartilage which helps to keep the trachea permanently open. The trachea passes down into the thorax and connects the larynx with the bronchi, which passes to the lungs.
3. Describe the mechanisms of external respiration including the interchange of gases within the lungs.
The job of the lungs is to transfer oxygen to the blood and to remove waste carbon dioxide from it. To do this the lungs contain millions of alveoli where gas exchange takes place. The alveoli are an ideal exchange surface because they have an enormous surface area, a moist lining for dissolving gases, very thin walls and a copius blood supply.
4. Explain the differences between internal and external respiration.
The constant exchange of gases between the blood, body cells and the air in the lungs is called gaseous exchange. External gaseous exchange occurs in the alveoli and internal gaseous exchange occurs in the tissues.
5. Briefly describe which essential oils can benefit the respiratory system including the effects and most appropriate methods of use.
Eucalyptus is beneficial respiratory conditions such as sinusitis, flu, bronchitis and asthma. This oil can be use in the bath, regular massage (especially to the chest and in a vaporiser.
Tea tree has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system aswell and is useful for colds, flu and catarrh. Can be steam inhalated, drops on a tissue or maybe facial massage.
6. Briefly describe at least 4 different diseases/disorders of the respiratory system and any benefits that holistic therapies can offer these conditions.
The main symptoms of bronchitis are wheezing and persistent phlegm producing coughing. Inflammation of the airways can result from infection after a cold or flu. For some it may be chronic debilitating condition. It is most common in people who smoke or live in heavily polluted area babies and the elderly may also develop bronchitis if a virus has weakened their immune system.
Beneficial essential oils include eucalyptus, frankincense, lavender, pine and cedarwood. Add 4 drops to a bowl of almost boiling water and use as a steam inhalation 2 or 3 times a day. Add 8 drops to a carrier oil and pour into the bath. 15 drops of 1 or more oils to 25ml of a carrier oil makes an excellent decongesting chest or back rub. Use twice a day.
Coughing is a reflex action that that occurs when the airways are irritated or clogged up with mucus. When not triggered by irritants such as dust or other pollutants, coughing is usually a symptom of a cold, infection or a respiratory condition such as bronchitis.
Beneficially making a gargle by putting 2tsp of cider vinegar and adding 2 drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil. Top up with warm water and stir in a spoonful of honey. Use 3 times a day. Add 10 drops of tea tree, rosemary, cypress or eucalyptus to 25ml sweet almond oil for a throat and chest massage.
Catarrh is usually caused by inflammation of the mucous membranes. It may be triggered by a cold, flu; allergy or bacterial infection and the symptoms include sneezing, runny nose or blocked nose and blocked sinuses. In most cases the problem clears within a few days, but self-help measures can speed recovery. If catarrh is persistent, it is important to get constitutional treatment from a qualified specialist.
Run a warm bath and add 8 drops frankincense, lavender, Scots pine, rosemary, or tea tree. You could also add 4 drops of peppermint, eucalyptus or any of the above to 600ml of hot water to make a steam inhalation. Make a chest rub using 15 drops of any of these essential oils apart from eucalyptus, which may irritate the skin. In 50ml of base oil. Apply 2-3 times a day.
Hay fever is an allergic condition characterised by sneezing, a blocked nose or runny nose, itching eyes or a heavy head. It can help to stay indoors when the pollen count is high, particularly in the early morning and late evening. Keep the windows closed and wear sunglasses.
Chamomile, eucalyptus, frankincense, Scots pine and rose otto can help. Put 6 drops of your chosen oil (except eucalyptus) in the bath and/or a burner, or on a tissue and inhale as required. Make up a massage oil using up to 10 drops essential oil in 25ml base oil and massage into the chest and back, 2-3 times a day.
Bibliography
CGP GCSE Double Science Biology. The revision guide.
Collin GEM biology Basic facts
The family medical reference book
British medical association family doctor home advisor
Aromatherapy and natural health