Respiratory System: Definition, Organs and Functions

What Is Respiratory System?

The respiratory system in the human body is highly significant in its ability to enable us to breathe, and through that, the biological exchange of atmospheric oxygen and carbon dioxide between an organism and its surroundings. This system is involved in taking in oxygen through the human body into the circulatory system's blood and getting rid of the metabolic product carbon dioxide.

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This Story also Contains

1. What Is Respiratory System?
2. Structure Of The Respiratory System
3. Respiratory Tract
4. Mechanism Of Breathing
5. Diaphragm And The Intercostal Muscles
6. Gas Exchange
7. Functions Of Respiratory System
8. Diseases Of The Respiratory System
9. Recommended video for Respiratory System

Structure Of The Respiratory System

The respiratory system is represented by a few important elements that participate in the respiration process.

• Nasal cavity

• Pharynx

• Larynx

• Trachea

• Bronchi

• Bronchioles

• Lungs

• Alveoli

• Diaphragm

Respiratory Tract

Further elaboration can be done in the form of the upper and lower respiratory tracts that have individual structures in them.

Upper Respiratory Tract

• Nasal cavity: Filters, warms, and humidifies air.

• Pharynx: Air and food passageway.

• Larynx: Where the vocal cords are located and also provide protection.

Lower Respiratory Tract

• Trachea: The tube for air to pass in the direction of the bronchi.

• Bronchi and Bronchioles: Airways carrying the air for the lungs.

• Lungs: Major organ of breathing.

Mechanism Of Breathing

Breathing takes place via two main processes, inhalation and exhalation.

Inhalation

When the diaphragm contracts, it becomes flat, and it moves down into the chest cavity space below, creating more space in the chest cavity and air rushes into the lung.

Exhalation

The diaphragm relaxes and moves upward, reducing the chest cavity size and forcing air out of the lungs.

Diaphragm And The Intercostal Muscles

• It is the major muscle of respiration.

• The intercostal muscles expand and contract the rib cage.

Gas Exchange

Alveoli in the company of capillaries are the sites of gas exchange in the lungs.

Alveoli And Capillaries

• Alveoli: Tiny caverns within the lungs where gases are exchanged in a body.

• Capillaries: Minute blood vessels that exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Mechanism Of Gaseous Exchange

• Inhalation of oxygen through the lungs. The oxygen is then diffused from the alveoli into the blood.

• On exhalation, the carbon dioxide extinguishes the blood to be exhaled.

Functions Of Respiratory System

There are several extremely critical functions of the respiratory system in the human body, which are namely:

Oxygen Delivery

• Supplies oxygen inhaled by the body for cellular respiration.

Carbon Dioxide Excretion

• Removes carbon dioxide, which is the gas waste product of metabolism.

Acid-Control of pH

• It maintains the balance among the acid-base constituents in the blood, thus regulating the pH.

Voice Production

• The larynx is the organ of voice production.

Diseases Of The Respiratory System

Several respiratory system diseases are common.

• Asthma: Inflammation in the airways leads to a tight chest.

• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): A grouping of progressive lung diseases that gets in the way of airflow.

• Pneumonia: It is an infection that can bring inflammation to the air sacs of a lung.

• Tuberculosis: An infectious and severe disease in the lungs.

• Lung Cancer: A disease of the lungs characterised by uncontrolled growth of malignant tumours.

Conclusion

The respiratory system is a gargantuan necessity for life. It infuses body cells with oxygen and rids them with carbon dioxide. The knowledge of its parts, functions, and maintaining good health is, therefore, very important for everybody. With further ongoing studies, advanced knowledge and cures are discovered for various lung diseases and ailments.

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