Respiratory System Overview

Overview of the Respiratory System

• The respiratory system is a biological system that brings oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide.
• It is essential for cellular respiration and energy production.

Organs of the Respiratory System

• Nose and Mouth: air enters the body through the nose or mouth.
• Pharynx (Throat): air passes through the pharynx, which is a tube that connects the nose and mouth to the lungs.
• Larynx (Voice Box): air passes through the larynx, which contains the vocal cords.
• Trachea (Windpipe): air passes through the trachea, a tube that divides into two bronchi.
• Bronchi: tubes that branch off from the trachea and lead to the lungs.
• Lungs: organs that exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide through the process of respiration.
• Diaphragm: a dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity and helps with breathing.

Mechanism of Breathing

• Inhalation: diaphragm contracts, rib cage expands, and air enters the lungs.
• Exhalation: diaphragm relaxes, rib cage descends, and air leaves the lungs.

Gas Exchange

• Oxygen: enters the blood through the alveoli (small air sacs in the lungs) and binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells.
• Carbon Dioxide: leaves the blood through the alveoli and is exhaled out of the body.

Functions of the Respiratory System

• Brings oxygen into the body
• Removes carbon dioxide from the body
• Helps regulate pH levels in the body
• Plays a role in speech and vocalization