Revised 8/2026

RTH 111 - Integrated Sciences for Respiratory (3 CR.)

Course Description

Concentrates on the anatomy and physiology of the cardiopulmonary system. Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

This course is offered in the first semester of the program and is designed for beginning respiratory care students. The purpose of this course is to introduce fundamental principles of cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology and medical terminology.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisites: BIO 141. BIO 142. ENG 111, HLT 141, RTH 120 and SDV 100 or SDV 101.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

• Apply basic medical terminology
• Illustrate anatomy and physiology of the airway
• Explain anatomy and physiology of the lungs and the cardiovascular system
• Classify acid based balance
• Analyze basic arterial blood gas interpretation and relate to basic physiology

Major Topics to Be Included

• Cardiopulmonary medical terminology
• Cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology
• Cardiopulmonary assessment skills
  • Gas exchange
  • Gas transport
  • Arterial blood gas interpretation
• Acid base balance
• Pulmonary Function Tests and values