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 consists of the lungs, airways, breathing muscles, and blood vessels that allow for gas exchange.

Upper Respiratory Tract

• The upper respiratory tract includes the:
  • Nose and mouth (entrance points for air)
  • Pharynx (throat)
  • Larynx (voice box)
  • Trachea (windpipe)

Lower Respiratory Tract

• The lower respiratory tract includes the:
  • Bronchi (airways that branch off from the trachea)
  • Bronchioles (smaller airways that branch off from the bronchi)
  • Alveoli (small air sacs where gas exchange occurs)

Mechanism of Breathing

• Inspiration (breathing in):
  • Diaphragm contracts and flattens
  • Rib cage expands
  • Air enters the lungs through the mouth or nose
• Expiration (breathing out):
  • Diaphragm relaxes and rises
  • Rib cage descends
  • Air leaves the lungs through the mouth or nose

Gas Exchange

• Oxygen from the air we breathe diffuses into the blood through the alveoli
• Carbon dioxide from the blood diffuses into the alveoli and is exhaled out of the body

Regulation of Breathing

• The brain's respiratory center regulates breathing rates
• Chemoreceptors in the body monitor oxygen and carbon dioxide levels and adjust breathing rates accordingly

Functions of the Respiratory System

• Brings oxygen into the body
• Removes carbon dioxide from the body
• Regulates pH levels by removing excess hydrogen ions
• Helps to filter out dust and other particles from the air we breathe