Ventilator Circuit Assembly and Function???

[MissJoRN, RN]

I'm taking a self study trach vent course for homecare, I found several resources but can't find any real info on the circuit- set up, parts, etc. Maybe I'm worrying too much about varient details, but I'd like to know what to expect before the hands on portion of my (short, short) course. I don't even know why the (heavy corrugated) tubing is bifurcated a few inches from the trach? What about the micro-tubing? I think that attaches somewhere with luer adaptors? Other attachments- filters, humidifiers, neb spacers? Do my questions even make sense?

I know to have the circuit ready to go before disconnecting anything (well duh!) And to disconnect the pt first then the vent end but set up to the vent first, then the pt, right? But I want to feel comfy with the function of all the parts, not just an automatic, mechanical piece A goes to piece B.

Thanks so much!