Final answer:
Normal tubular or breezy breath sounds are heard over the central airways and are associated with air movement through the trachea and bronchi in the respiratory system. Abnormal sounds may indicate pathologies requiring further investigation. Intubation is a procedure to maintain airway patency when obstructions are present.
Step-by-step explanation:
The normal tubular or breezy breath sounds heard over the large, central airways of the respiratory system are typically auscultated anteriorly and posteriorly with a stethoscope by healthcare professionals. These sounds occur as the air flows through the trachea and the bronchi. The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is a cartilaginous tube that serves as the main passage for air to reach the lungs. The trachea bifurcates into the left and right bronchi, which subsequently divide into smaller bronchioles terminating in the alveoli, the sites of gas exchange.
During clinical assessments, when abnormal breath sounds such as crepitation are detected, further examinations, such as chest radiographs or sputum samples, may be indicated. These help to identify the presence of any pathologies such as infections or obstructions within the respiratory system.
Moreover, intubation is a procedural intervention wherein a tube is inserted into the respiratory tract to ensure airway patency; for instance, if the airway is blocked or injured, this procedure helps maintain proper gas exchange by allowing air to bypass the obstructed area and reach the lungs.