Respiratory viruses
Respiratory viruses differ in genome, entry proteins, replication strategy and host response, but often spread through respiratory particles and affect mucosal surfaces.
Open interactive lesson & self-check ↗Respiratory viruses — specialty learning map
Original conceptual SVG · scalableOriginal overview diagram showing four related domains. This is not a literal anatomy drawing, histologic image or clinical decision rule.
Entry and tropism
Viral proteins interact with susceptible host cells; receptor availability and host defenses help determine which tissues may be infected.
Replication
Viruses rely on cellular machinery to produce progeny. Replication compartments and nucleic-acid synthesis differ between virus families.
Transmission and response
Transmission likelihood depends on ventilation, contact patterns, symptoms, pathogen properties and immune context; vaccines and hygiene can affect spread.
Diagnostic interpretation
Nucleic-acid tests detect selected viral sequences. Result interpretation depends on specimen collection, assay performance, timing and clinical presentation.
Reference and next reading
Explore the original curriculum and publisher-hosted resources for full-depth reading; this note is an original schematic introduction, not an exhaustive chapter.