Respiratory System: Structure and Functions

Overview

• The respiratory system is a complex biological system that brings oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide.
• It is responsible for exchanging gases between the atmosphere and the body.

Components

• Nose and Mouth: air enters the body through the nose or mouth.
• Trachea: air passes through the trachea, a tube that divides into two bronchi.
• Bronchi: bronchi branch into smaller bronchioles, which lead to the lungs.
• Lungs: the lungs are the primary organs of the respiratory system, responsible for gas exchange.
• Diaphragm: a dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity and helps expand the lungs.
• Intercostal Muscles: muscles between the ribs that help expand the chest cavity.

Process of Breathing

1. Inhalation: air enters the nose or mouth and passes through the trachea and bronchi into the lungs.
2. Gas Exchange: oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide diffuses out of the bloodstream into the lungs.
3. Exhalation: the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, and the lungs deflate, pushing carbon dioxide out of the body.

Functions

• Oxygenation: brings oxygen into the body.
• Removal of Carbon Dioxide: removes carbon dioxide from the body.
• Regulation of pH: helps maintain the body's acid-base balance by removing excess hydrogen ions.

Additional Facts

• Respiratory Rate: the number of breaths taken per minute, which varies depending on age, activity level, and other factors.
• Tidal Volume: the volume of air inhaled and exhaled with each breath.
• Lung Capacity: the total volume of air that the lungs can hold.