The respiratory system and associated disorders.

LUNG anatomy; PULMONARY embolism; PNEUMONIA; PULMONARY gas exchange; RESPIRATORY disease nursing; MOTHERS; SMOKING; LUNGS; RESPIRATORY diseases; PREGNANT women; ENDOCRINE system; RESPIRATORY organ physiology; LUNG diseases; CARDIOVASCULAR system; ASTHMA; TUBERCULOSIS; CYSTIC fibrosis; PREGNANCY

This series of three articles will explore the fundamentals related to anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology in relation to three important topics: the cardiac system, the respiratory system and the endocrine system. This series is intended to provide an informative and evidence-based summary of each topic for both students and clinicians. This second article explores the maternal respiratory system, outlining the key physiological adaptations in pregnancy and summarises the key pathophysiological conditions that may occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]