| The respiratory system is responsible for gaseous | | | | molecules and the carbon dioxide exchanged by |
| exchanges that help us breathe. It is situated in the | | | | diffusion (transport of molecules from one region of |
| thorax between the alveoli and the capillaries. The | | | | higher concentration to one of lower concentration in a |
| anatomy of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide | | | | random molecular motion). |
| vary depending on the organism. | | | | Division and Parts |
| The respiratory system involves different functions in | | | | Respiration is the process of breathing in and out of |
| the body that generally aids in the entire respiration | | | | the entire functioning system. It is subdivided based on |
| process in order for us to breathe easily. First is the | | | | the anatomical features of a certain organism. There is |
| ventilation process in which clean air is inhaled and old | | | | the upper respiratory tract and lower respiratory tract. |
| air is exhaled. Lungs are ventilated by the muscles of | | | | Upper respiratory tract includes the nasal passages, |
| respiration. | | | | the larynx and the pharynx. The lower part consists of |
| The autonomic nervous system controls ventilation. | | | | the trachea, bronchi and the lungs. It can also be |
| There is an area in the brain that forms a respiration | | | | divided into functional or physiological zones. Thus, the |
| regulatory center (interconnected brain cells) which | | | | conducting zone transports gas from the outside |
| manages respiratory movements. | | | | atmosphere. The transitional and respiratory zones |
| Inhalation is the movement of air from the external | | | | functions at the alveolar region where gas exchange |
| environment through the air ways and into the alveoli. It | | | | occurs. |
| begins by the contraction of the diaphragm, the main | | | | Air intake initially takes place in the nasal passages |
| driver of inhalation in normal conditions. It is sustained by | | | | through the pharynx (canal leading to esophagus) and |
| external intercostal muscles. However, the muscles of | | | | the larynx (an organ in the neck that involved in |
| respiration aid in the expansion and support, particularly | | | | protection of the trachea and sound production). It will |
| during respiratory failure. Lastly, the air is filtered and | | | | then pass through the lower airways like the trachea |
| warmed and then it flows to the lungs. | | | | or windpipe. It filters the air as we breathe and goes to |
| Air is exhaled out during this process. It is done by the | | | | the bronchi. The two air tubes in the bronchi branches |
| abdominal and internal intercostal muscles. Air flows | | | | off and conducts air into the lungs. |
| out until the pressure reaches its balance in the chest | | | | The main part of the respiratory system is the lungs |
| and the atmosphere. | | | | located in your chest. It is protected by your rib cage |
| Circulation is the process that moves substances to | | | | that connects to the spine. These bones go around |
| and from the cells. It begins with the pumping of blood | | | | the lungs to protect it. The two lungs are responsible in |
| from the right ventricle (one of the four chambers in | | | | taking in oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide. The |
| the heart) to the pulmonary valve (maintains | | | | red blood cells deliver oxygen into the entire body and |
| unidirectional flow of blood in the heart) and into the | | | | picking up waste gas produced by body cells. The |
| pulmonary arteries (carry blood from heart to the | | | | diaphragm helps the lungs to inhale and exhale. It is a |
| lungs). The vessels go with the airways and undergo | | | | domed-shaped muscle that contracts and flattens to |
| several branching. Blood goes back into the heart once | | | | allow the ribcage to move up and out. |
| the gas exchange is complete. | | | | Other animals and plants have simple and different |
| Gas exchange is the main function of the respiratory | | | | anatomical features. It is very essential to life. We |
| system. It evolves between the external environment | | | | breathe everyday without thinking about it. It is better |
| and the circulatory system of an organism. Gas | | | | to always keep our entire respiratory system healthy |
| exchange occurs at the alveoli (tiny sacs). The oxygen | | | | to work properly. |