Respiratory system

Nose and Nasal Cavity

Serve as the entry point for air into the respiratory system. The nose filters warms and humidifiers in coming air.

Pharynx (Thoat) 

Connects the nasal cavity and mouth to the larynx and esophagus.

Larynx  (Voice Box)

Houses the vocal cords and serves as passageway for air between the pharynx and trachea.

Trachea (Wind pipe)

A rigid tube composed of cartilage rings that carries air from the larynx to the bronchi.

Bronchi and Bronchioles

Bronching airway that lead from the trachea to the alveoli in the lungs. 

Lungs 

Paired organs where gas exchange occurs. Each lungs is composed of bobes filled with millions of tiny air such called alveoli.

Function

Gas Exchange

Oxygen from inhaled air diffuses across the alveolar membranes into the bloodstream while carbon dioxide from the bloodstream diffuses into the alveoli to be exhaled.

Breathing (Ventilation)

The process of inhaling and exhaling air which is driver by the contraction and relaxation of respiratory muscles primarily the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

Regulation of PH

By adjusting the levels of carbon dioxide through breathing the respiratory system helps regulate the pH balance of the blood.

Vocalizetion 

The larynx contains the vocal cords which vibrate as air passes over them enabling spreech and vocalizetion

Respiratory Diseases and Disorders

Asthma 

Chronic inflammation of the airway leading to wheezing coughing and difficulty breathing.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Progressive lung diseases including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Characterized by airflow limitation and difficulty breathing.

Pneumonia 

Infection of the lungs causing inflammation cough fever and difficulty breathing.

Lungs Cancer

Abnormal growth of cells in the lungs 🫁 often caused by smoking or exposure to carcinogens.

Respiratory Control

Breathing is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem which receives input from sensors monitoring oxygen, carbon dioxide and PH levels in the blood

Interactions

The respiratory system works closely with the cardiovascular system to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body

It also interacts with the nervous system particularly in controlling breathing and coughing reflexes.