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

Learn about the structure and functions of the respiratory system, including the upper and lower respiratory tracts, mechanism of breathing, gas exchange, and regulation of breathing.