Back to the Basics: An Overview of Respiratory Anatomy & Physiology

This one-hour webinar provides a practical and engaging overview of respiratory anatomy and physiology, designed for clinicians seeking an introduction or a concise review of the respiratory system.

Participants will explore the structure and function of the upper and lower respiratory systems, with emphasis on how the diaphragm, intercostals, and accessory muscles coordinate to support ventilation. The session will cover key physiological concepts such as lung volumes and capacities, gas exchange, and the neural control of breathing.

Special focus will be given to the mechanical and functional relationships between respiratory muscle strength and respiratory performance, supporting clinicians’ understanding of the principles behind respiratory muscle strength training.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to connect core physiological principles to better understand the clinical applications of respiratory muscle training, laying a strong foundation for safe, evidence-based implementation.

Learning Objectives

After this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Identify key anatomical structures involved in respiration and their roles in breathing and cough.

2. Describe the physiological mechanisms that generate inspiratory and expiratory pressures.

3. Explain how respiratory muscle performance influences respiratory function.

4. Describe the mechanical factors that contribute to effective respiratory muscle performance.