ABSTRACT
To understand respiratory system disorders, one first must have an appreciation of the normal respiratory system, its functions, and how its anatomy serves those functions. To those who specialize in pulmonary medicine, one of its attractions is how these principles illuminate what we observe daily in patients. This chapter is an introduction to the function and anatomy of the respiratory system. Space constraints dictate that this chapter be a very brief overview. However, concepts mentioned here are further expanded in the chap ters that immediately follow on respiratory muscles and control of ventilation, airflow, gas exchange, and host defense. They are then echoed in the chapters on diagnostic evaluation, specific disorders, and common therapies. Excellent chapters or monographs on anatomy and physiology are listed at the end of the chapter.
