Respiratory System Functions

Overview

The respiratory system is a complex biological system that brings oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide.

Functions

• Gas Exchange: The respiratory system facilitates the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the body's cells.
• Regulation of pH: The respiratory system helps maintain the body's acid-base balance by removing excess hydrogen ions.

Organs and Structures

• Nose and Mouth: Inhale air into the lungs.
• Trachea (Windpipe): Conducts air to the bronchi.
• Bronchi: Divide into smaller bronchioles, which lead to the lungs.
• Lungs: Responsible for gas exchange.
  • Alveoli: Tiny sacs where gas exchange occurs.
• Diaphragm: Primary muscle used for breathing.
• Intercostal Muscles: Assist with breathing.

Breathing Process

1. Inhalation:
   • Diaphragm contracts, increasing thoracic cavity volume.
   • Air enters the lungs through the nose or mouth.
2. Exhalation:
   • Diaphragm relaxes, decreasing thoracic cavity volume.
   • Air is pushed out of the lungs.

Respiratory Cycle

• Inspiratory Reserve Volume: Additional air inhaled during deep breathing.
• Expiratory Reserve Volume: Additional air exhaled during forced exhalation.
• Residual Volume: Air remaining in the lungs after exhalation.

Control of Breathing

• Medulla Oblongata: Brainstem region that regulates breathing.
• Pons: Brainstem region that helps regulate breathing rate.
• Chemoreceptors: Sensors that detect changes in CO2 levels, influencing breathing rate.

Disorders and Diseases

• Asthma: Chronic inflammation and constriction of airways.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Progressive lung damage and airflow obstruction.
• Pneumonia: Infection of the lungs.

Overview of Respiratory System

• Brings oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide through gas exchange

Functions of Respiratory System

• Facilitates gas exchange between atmosphere and body's cells
• Regulates body's acid-base balance by removing excess hydrogen ions

Organs and Structures of Respiratory System

• Nose and mouth: inhale air into lungs
• Trachea (windpipe): conducts air to bronchi
• Bronchi: divide into smaller bronchioles, leading to lungs
• Lungs: responsible for gas exchange
• Alveoli: tiny sacs where gas exchange occurs
• Diaphragm: primary muscle used for breathing
• Intercostal muscles: assist with breathing

Breathing Process

• Inhalation:
  • Diaphragm contracts, increasing thoracic cavity volume
  • Air enters lungs through nose or mouth
• Exhalation:
  • Diaphragm relaxes, decreasing thoracic cavity volume
  • Air is pushed out of lungs

Respiratory Cycle

• Inspiratory Reserve Volume: additional air inhaled during deep breathing
• Expiratory Reserve Volume: additional air exhaled during forced exhalation
• Residual Volume: air remaining in lungs after exhalation

Control of Breathing

• Medulla oblongata: brainstem region that regulates breathing
• Pons: brainstem region that helps regulate breathing rate
• Chemoreceptors: sensors that detect changes in CO2 levels, influencing breathing rate

Disorders and Diseases of Respiratory System

• Asthma: chronic inflammation and constriction of airways
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): progressive lung damage and airflow obstruction
• Pneumonia: infection of the lungs

Learn about the functions and organs of the respiratory system, including gas exchange, pH regulation, and more.