Respiratory System PDF

Name: ________________________ 14 Curriculum Connection B2.1, B2.2 What is the Respiratory System? The respiratory system’s main function is to provide us with a steady supply of oxygen and to get rid of carbon dioxide. All animals need oxygen in order to survive. Oxygen allows us to break down food...

Name: ________________________ 14 Curriculum Connection B2.1, B2.2 What is the Respiratory System? The respiratory system’s main function is to provide us with a steady supply of oxygen and to get rid of carbon dioxide. All animals need oxygen in order to survive. Oxygen allows us to break down food in order to get the energy we need. Luckily for us, oxygen is found in the air. Our respiratory system is designed to bring oxygen in through the process of breathing (inhalation), and send carbon dioxide out through the process of exhalation. How the Respiratory System Works The brain controls our breathing. When we breathe in, our diaphragm moves down towards our abdomen and the ribs expand outwards. This makes our chest bigger and pulls air into our lungs. When we exhale, our diaphragm moves upward and the chest and ribs relax, causing them to get smaller as air pushes out of the respiratory system through the mouth or nose. Blood and the Respiratory System If you have learned about the circulatory system, you know that blood circulates oxygen through our bodies to our cells. But how does this work? Steps What is Happening 1 We breathe in air to our lungs. They fill up and expand. 2 Blood in our lungs picks up the oxygen from the air in the alveoli 3 The oxygen rich blood is then sent throughout the circulatory system 4 As the blood picks up oxygen, it also brings carbon dioxide (waste) from the body to the alveoli (tiny air sacs on the end of the bronchioles/bronchus). 5 The air is exhaled, and the carbon dioxide (waste) is sent out of the body Parts of the Respiratory System Lungs Bronchus Bag like organs used for breathing. We have 2 lungs that fill with air when we inhale. They push carbon dioxide out when we exhale. Major airways that go into the lungs from the trachea (windpipe). Larynx A tube that lets air pass from your throat to your trachea. Also contains your vocal cords, which allow you to speak. Diaphragm A muscle that is below your lungs. It contracts and relaxes to allow your lungs to expand and relax Trachea © Super Simple Sheets Known as the windpipe that connects the nose/mouth to the lungs supersimplesheets.com