Respiratory System Overview

The process of taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide, essential for energy production and waste removal.

The primary function of the respiratory system is to provide oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide from it. It's like a continuous exchange of gases.

The conducting division of the respiratory system consists of passageways that only transport air, like a highway for air. It includes the nose, pharynx, trachea, and bronchi.

The respiratory division of the respiratory system is where gas exchange occurs. This includes the alveoli, tiny air sacs in the lungs where oxygen enters the bloodstream and carbon dioxide exits.

Inspiration is the process of breathing in, where air flows into the lungs, reaching the alveoli.

Expiration is the process of breathing out, where air flows out from the lungs, leaving behind carbon dioxide.

The nose warms, cleanses, and humidifies inhaled air, protecting the lungs from harm. It also helps to sense odors and amplify the voice.

The nasal cavity is divided into right and left halves by the nasal septum, a wall of bone and cartilage. It's like a divider for the air.

The nostrils or nares are the external openings of the nose, allowing air to enter the body. They are like the entrance to the respiratory system.

The pharynx is a muscular tube that connects the nasal cavity and mouth to the larynx. It serves as a passageway for both air and food.

Three bony scrolls covered by mucous membrane located inside the nasal cavity.

Narrow air passage beneath each nasal concha. The narrow passages and turbulence they create help ensure that most air contacts the mucous membrane.

Muscular funnel extending about 13 cm from the choanae to the larynx. Divided into three regions: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

Cartilaginous chamber about 4 cm long. It prevents food and drink from entering the airway, and also produces sound.

Flap of tissue (originally cartilage) that guards the superior opening of the larynx. Helps prevent food and drink from entering the airway during swallowing.

Space between the two vocal cords. Its width changes during breathing and sound production.

Tube about 12 cm long and 2.5 cm in diameter, extending from the larynx to the bronchi. Supported by C-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage.

Two branches of the trachea that lead into the lungs. The right bronchus is wider and shorter than the left.

The point where the main bronchus, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves enter the lung.

A two-layered serous membrane surrounding the lungs. The visceral pleura surrounds the lung tissue, and the parietal pleura surrounds the visceral pleura externally.