Understanding Cat Respiratory Structure & Function

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1. The forefront of the respiratory system is the nose. The visible exterior of the nose is composed of a rigid bony vault and a movable cartilage framework. The front part of the nose is flat and hairless, known as the nasal plane, which encompasses the nasal cavity or nostrils. The nostrils serve as the entry points to the nasal cavity, supported by cartilage.

2. The nasal cavity is an air passage within the facial region of the skull. The nasal septum is a thinwalled structure, partly made of cartilage and bone, and consists of two halves. Deep within the nose, numerous delicate paperthin bone plates called turbinate bones are lined with a mucous membrane known as the nasal mucosa. The blood supply to the turbinate bones is extensive.

3. The olfactory region, responsible for the sense of smell, is located at the back of the nasal cavity. The mucosa in this area contains specialized nerves dedicated to the sense of smell.

4. The throat is made up of two parts: the nasopharynx, which is related to the respiratory system, and the oropharynx, which is connected to the digestive system. It is a relatively large, round cavity covered by mucous membranes at the back of the throat.

5. The larynx is a circular structure composed of muscles, several cartilages, and soft tissues. The cartilages in the larynx are designed to open and close during breathing or swallowing. When the larynx is open, air flows from the nose into the trachea. During swallowing, the larynx closes to prevent food from entering the trachea.

6. The trachea is a semirigid, flexible tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi of the lungs. It is made up of many Cshaped cartilages, with each Cshaped cartilage alternated by elastic ligaments and muscles. The Cshaped cartilages are located in the open areas at the top, which are covered by a mucous membrane.

7. The bronchial tree within the lungs originates from the bifurcation of the trachea, forming the main left and right bronchi. Each main bronchus then divides into larger lobar bronchi that supply different lung lobes. Within each lobe, the lobar bronchi branch into smaller segmental bronchi. This branching process continues until respiratory bronchioles are formed. Bronchi are cylindrical tubes that do not flatten due to overlapping Cshaped cartilages. The smallest bronchioles eventually lead to alveoli, which are tiny saclike structures with very thin membranes that allow gases to enter and exit the lungs into the airways.

What are the functions of a cat's respiratory system?

1. The nose, along with the mouth, is responsible for drawing air into the body. Before air enters the body, the nasal cavity's cilia and mucus produced by nasal cells filter out particles and foreign bodies from the air. The nose also warms and humidifies the air before it reaches the trachea. The extensive blood supply in this area helps to heat the air, with moisture added through the evaporation of mucous secretions. The sense of smell is activated as the air passes through the back of the nose.

2. The nasopharynx is the passage between the nasal cavity and the throat. Air passing through this area is close to the tonsils, which are part of the immune system. When foreign bodies and infectious agents are detected, the tonsils can activate certain defense mechanisms in the body.

3. The larynx protects the entrance to the trachea and regulates the intake and exhale of air. The function of the laryngeal valves, formed by the epiglottis and arytenoid cartilages, is crucial for protecting the airway and preventing food from being aspirated. The larynx also contains vocal cords, which are necessary for vocalization, such as the meow.

4. The trachea guides air downward into the lungs. It also contains tiny hairlike structures called cilia and mucus that trap particles and foreign substances. The trachea uses coughing to expel these substances back into the mouth.

The lungs primarily function to provide a vast surface area where gas exchange between the body's circulation and the external air occurs. Oxygen is inhaled from the atmosphere, and carbon dioxide is exhaled from the blood. The physical act of breathing involves a wellcoordinated interaction between the lungs, the central nervous system, the diaphragm, and the circulatory system.