Respiratory system and its structure and functions

Respiratory System

Structure of the Respiratory System

The primary components of the respiratory system include the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs.
The air enters the body through the nasal cavity, where it is warmed, moistened, and filtered to protect the delicate structures of the lungs.
The pharynx, our throat, connects the nasal and oral cavities with the oesophagus and larynx.
The larynx, also known as the voice box, aids in speech and prevents food or liquids from entering the trachea.
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, transports the air into the bronchi. It is lined with ciliated mucus cells that filter out particles that manage to pass through the nasal cavity.
The bronchi are two large tubes that branch off the trachea, leading into our lungs.
The bronchi further branch into smaller bronchioles within the lungs, which eventually end in tiny air sacs termed alveoli.
The alveoli are surrounded by a network of tiny capillaries where gas exchange takes place.
The lungs are protected by the rib cage, and separated from the abdomen by the diaphragm, a vital muscle in the breathing process.

Functions of the Respiratory System

The major function of the respiratory system is to provide oxygen to the body’s cells for cellular respiration and to remove waste carbon dioxide released by cells.
The process of inhaling helps bring air rich in oxygen into the lungs, from where it gets into the blood stream.
The alveoli are the primary site for gas exchange. Oxygen diffuses through their walls into surrounding capillaries, and at the same time, carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled.
The process of exhaling helps remove the waste gas, carbon dioxide, from the body.
The mucus and cilia found in the trachea play key roles in filtration. They trap and move dust particles, microorganisms and other irritants away from the lungs.
The respiratory system is also integral in the regulation of blood pH. By altering the rate and depth of respiration, the body can control the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood, and therefore its pH.
Lastly, the larynx is a crucial structure that allows us to produce sounds and speech.

Ensure you understand these concepts and revise often for optimal info-retention. Regular exercises and quizzes will also aid in embedding this knowledge.