Respiration is the rhythmic (uniform) expansion and contraction process of the pulmonary alveoli, which ensures the interaction of atmospheric air with the blood in the capillaries of the alveolar walls of the lungs. The respiratory system consists of air-conducting pathways including the nasal cavity, larynx, trachea and bronchi, as well as respiratory sections consisting of pulmonary vesicles – alveoli. In the airways, the air is humidified, warmed, and cleaned from various dust particles. In the respiratory sections, gas exchange occurs between the blood and the alveoli. In the nasal cavity, the vestibule and respiratory parts are distinguished. The vestibule is covered with stratified squamous epithelium, which is a continuation of the skin epithelium. Under the epithelium are sebaceous glands and hair roots. Many hairs located here retain dust particles from the inhaled air. The respiratory system is prone to various diseases. One of the most common diseases is bronchitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the bronchi and manifests with coughing and sputum production. Pneumonia is inflammation of the lung tissue, characterized by fever, shortness of breath and severe cough. Bronchial asthma is a chronic disease in which the bronchi narrow due to allergic or other causes, making breathing difficult.

Bronchial asthma, alveoli, bronchi, tuberculosis

Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology — provides in-depth coverage of human physiology, including respiratory system mechanisms.

Gray’s Anatomy — explains the anatomical structure of the respiratory system in detail.

Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease — scientifically describes the pathogenesis and morphology of respiratory diseases.

World Health Organization official data — statistical and clinical recommendations on respiratory diseases (including COVID-19 and tuberculosis).

Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology — provides information on the neurohumoral regulation of respiration.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — information on epidemiology and prevention of infectious respiratory diseases.

Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine — includes clinical features and treatment methods of respiratory diseases.

The Lancet Respiratory Medicine — source of scientific articles on modern respiratory diseases.