Physiology of Respiratory System

Physiology of Respiratory System
Functions in General: ‘Prānha Vāta’situated at ‘Nābhi’, comes out through the throat to consume anectar-like substance called ‘Vishnhupadāmrhta’ fromthe atmosphere. After consuming this nectar of atmosphere, it re-entersthe body speedily and nourishes the ‘Jīva’ (Śā. Pū. 5/51). Though the site of‘Prānha Vāta’ is described to be ‘head’ in all earliertextbooks, Śārnńgadhara has described it to be ‘Nābhi’ in thisreference. ‘Nābhi’, in Samhskrhta language,just means ‘a center’. So, this is indicative of a particular center in thehead.
‘Raktamh jīva itisthitihh’ is the opinion of Suśruta and this means that the terms ‘Jīva’ and ‘Rakta’are synonyms. So, when translated with this background, the above verse givesthe following meaning: “Because of theactivity of ‘Prānha Vāta’ that is situated inbrain, a nectarlike substance is consumed through the act of respiration. Thissubstance in turn, nourishes the ‘Jīva’ (Blood).” This nectar-like substancemust be oxygen. Nervous control of respiration and transportation of oxygenthrough blood also can be inferred from this reference.
Lung – Phupphusa:
On the left inferior aspect of the heart, ‘Plīhā’ (spleen)is situated and on its left side there is ‘Phupphusa’ (Left lung). On rightside, the corresponding organs situated are ‘Yakrht’ (Liver)and ‘Kloma’ (Right lung) respectively (Su. Śā. 4/31). Suśruta has usedtwo different terms to mean left and right lungs- ‘Phupphusa’ for left lung and‘Kloma’ for right lung. This conclusion is drawn because of the fact that theterm ‘Phupphusa’ has not been used in its plural form.