Yoga as Therapeutic Exercise: A Practical Guide for Manual Therapists

5

Chapter

Preparatory practice for the yoga art of breathing

Basic anatomy and physiology of respiration Basic anatomy and physiology of respiration

Basic anatomy and physiology of respiration Basic anatomy and physiology of respiration

Basic anatomy and physiology

of respiration

External and internal respiration

Respiration consists of two processes: external and

internal respiration. External respiration consists

of all processes involved in the intake of oxygen

and the elimination of carbon dioxide through the

lungs. Internal or cellular respiration is the absorp-

tion of oxygen, metabolic processes that produce

energy, and the elimination of carbon dioxide

through the body cells. This acts to regenerate the

cells. External respiration also serves other func-

tions, such as smelling and producing sounds such

as speaking and singing, laughing, and coughing

(Hauke 1980).

The passage of air

Air enters the system through first the nostrils,

then the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses.

After this comes the pharynx, which consists of

three parts: (1) the upper pharynx, behind the

nose and connected to the ears via the eustachian

tube; (2) the middle pharynx, where food and

respiratory pathways cross; and (3) the lower part,

connecting to the larynx (Figure 5.1). The struc-

tures from the nostrils to the lower pharynx form

the upper respiratory system, whereas the larynx

is the beginning of the lower respiratory system.

The epiglottis covers the larynx during swallow-

ing, interrupting the passage of air. The larynx

produces the voice and also the cough reflex to

protect the lower structures – the trachea, bron-

chi, bronchioli, and alveoli of the lungs. The lungs

contain about 300 million alveoli, surrounded by

pulmonary capillaries (Figure 5.2). Oxygen and

carbon dioxide are exchanged between the alveoli

and the pulmonary capillaries by diffusion through

the respiratory membrane.

The pleura covers the lungs and connects them

to the thoracic wall. There are two layers in the

pleura: the visceral and the parietal pleura. These

layers cannot be separated, as they adhere together;

however, they slide over each other. In this way

the lungs passively follow the movement of the

thorax.

Normally we inhale and exhale through the nose.

The warm air of exhalation helps to dilate the

blood vessels, improving blood supply. Air inhaled

through the nose is moistened, warmed, cleaned,

and examined through the sense of smell.

Pharynx

Epiglottis

Larynx

Tr achea

Left primary

bronchus

Ribs

Base of left lung

Aorta

Vertebral column

Inferior vena cava

Nasal cavity

Hyoid bone

Thyroid cartilage

Cricoid cartilage

Right clavicle

Right lung

Parietal pleura

Visceral pleura

Pleural cavity

Apex Apex

Heart

space

Diaphragm

Figure 5.1 The upper and lower respiratory system.