Physiology of respiratory system related to anesthesia.

All inhalational anesthetic agents depress respiratory function. They also depend largely on the respiratory system to facilitate an induction and emergence from anesthesia. The other anesthetic agents, such as intravenous agents, also depress respiration. Much of the morbidity and mortality that occurs in the perioperative period can be attributed to an alteration in lung mechanics and dysfunctions in airway dynamics. In fact, it is postulated that 70% to 80% of the morbidity and mortality occurring in the perioperative period is associated with some form of respiratory dysfunction. Consequently, a detailed discussion of the many facets of respiratory anatomy and physiology will be presented. If the CRNA incorporates this information into anesthesia practice, care of the surgical patient will be enhanced.