Respiratory System

The Respiratory System (pronounced: res-pi-ra-tory sys-tem) is a biological system consisting of specific organs and structures used for gas exchange in animals and plants. The term comes from the Latin respirare which means "to breathe".

Anatomy

The anatomy of the Respiratory System in humans involves the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs. It also includes the muscles of respiration, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

Nose and Nasal Cavity

The nose and nasal cavity form the main external opening for the Respiratory System. They are the first section of the body's airway—the respiratory tract through which air moves.

Pharynx

The pharynx is a part of the conducting zone of the Respiratory System which transports air into the lungs. The pharynx is part of the digestive system as well as the respiratory system because it carries both food and air.

Larynx

The larynx, also known as the voice box, is the part of the Respiratory System that holds the vocal cords. It is responsible for sound production, air flow regulation during breathing, and protecting the trachea against food aspiration.

Trachea

The trachea, also known as the windpipe, provides a clear airway for air to enter and exit the lungs.

Bronchi and Bronchioles

The bronchi and bronchioles are air passages inside the lungs that branch off the trachea and convey air directly into the lungs.

Lungs

The lungs are the primary organs of the Respiratory System. In mammals and most other vertebrates, two lungs are located near the backbone on either side of the heart.

Function

The main function of the Respiratory System is to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. This is done through a process called respiration, or breathing.

Related Terms

Alveoli: Tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.
Pulmonary Ventilation: The process of air flowing into the lungs during inspiration (inhalation) and out of the lungs during expiration (exhalation).
Gas Exchange: The process by which oxygen is transported to cells and carbon dioxide is transported from cells.
Oxygenation: The process of oxygen molecules entering the tissues of the body. For example, blood is oxygenated in the lungs, where oxygen molecules travel from the air and into the blood.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Respiratory System
Wikipedia's article - Respiratory System

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Respiratory System