Respiratory System Functions and Process

Functions of the Respiratory System

• Brings oxygen into the body
• Removes carbon dioxide from the body
• Regulates pH levels by removing excess hydrogen ions

Organs of the Respiratory System

• Nose and mouth: air enters the body
• Pharynx (throat): air passes through on its way to the lungs
• Larynx (voice box): contains vocal cords
• Trachea (windpipe): divides into bronchi
• Bronchi: divide into smaller bronchioles
• Bronchioles: lead to alveoli
• Alveoli: where gas exchange occurs
• Diaphragm: muscle that separates chest cavity from abdominal cavity
• Intercostal muscles: muscles between ribs that help expand and deflate lungs

Process of Breathing

• Inhalation:
  1. Diaphragm contracts and flattens
  2. Intercostal muscles contract and expand chest cavity
  3. Air enters lungs through nose or mouth
  4. Air passes through trachea and bronchi
  5. Air enters bronchioles and alveoli
• Exhalation:
  1. Diaphragm relaxes and rises
  2. Intercostal muscles relax and chest cavity decreases in size
  3. Air is pushed out of lungs and exhaled through nose or mouth

Gas Exchange

• Oxygen diffuses from alveoli into blood
• Carbon dioxide diffuses from blood into alveoli
• Oxygen binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells
• Carbon dioxide is transported back to lungs and exhaled

Regulation of Breathing

• Controlled by medulla oblongata in the brain
• Regulated by pCO2 levels in the blood
• Increased pCO2 stimulates breathing
• Decreased pCO2 slows breathing

Learn about the functions of the respiratory system, including gas exchange, and the organs involved. Understand the process of breathing, including inhalation and exhalation, and how it's regulated by the brain.