The respiratory system interacts with many other body systems. The endocrine system helps regulate breathing through hormones like epinephrine. The urinary and lymphatic systems help eliminate waste and filter pathogens from the lungs. Other interacting systems include the integumentary, neurological, cardiovascular, digestive, muscular, reproductive, and skeletal systems, which respectively protect the airways, control breathing, transport gases, provide nutrients, enable breathing motions, increase oxygen demands, and support lung structure.

1. Assessing the Respiratory
System

6. Interaction With Other Body
Systems
 ENDOCRINE: Converting enzymes in lung
convert angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
Epinephrine and norepinephrine increase
respiratory rate and dilate airways.
 URINARY
GU system works with respiratory system to
eliminate wastes and maintain acid-base balance.
 LYMPHATIC
Alveolar macrophages trap microorganisms and
other foreign substances. Foreign material
removed by cilia or lymphatic system.
Tonsils and adenoids protect upper airways from
infection, but also may become enlarged and
obstruct breathing.

7. INTEGUMENTARY
Protects structures of upper respiratory tract. Nasal
hair filters air. Skin color reflects oxygenation.
NEUROLOGICAL
Medulla is respiratory center. Chemoreceptors
respond to changes in carbon dioxide, oxygen and
hydrogen ions by affecting rate
and depth of respirations.
CARDIOVASCULAR
Cardiovascular system transports oxygen and
carbon dioxide between lungs and peripheral
tissue. Activation of angiotensin by lungs
important in B/P regulation. Peripheral
chemoreceptors in aortic arch and carotid arteries
respond to oxygen, carbon dioxide and hydrogen
ion concentrations.

8. DIGESTIVE
Abdominal muscles aid with respirations. GI
tract provides nutrients to respiratory system.
MUSCULAR
Diaphragm, chest and abdominal muscles
needed for breathing. Accessory muscles
used when oxygen demands are increased, as
with strenuous exercise.
REPRODUCTIVE
Sexual activity increases oxygen demands.
Pregnancy affects oxygen demands and
breathing.
SKELETAL
Ribs provide protective framework for lungs.

10. Anatomical Landmarks