ABSTRACT
Failure of respiration can occur as a consequence of damage or functional failure of lungs themselves; or of the airways providing ow to and from; or by interference with the transport, delivery, or utilization of oxygen in the body. Indirectly, either neural or muscular paralysis can result in respiratory failure, also with potentially fatal consequences. Respiratory depression, as caused by opiates or other CNS depressants, can have an obvious impact on the availability of oxygen for tissues, but further on blood pH and hence on the ability of numerous functions dependent upon hydrogen ion concentration to operate properly.
