Breathe in... and breathe out.
What is happening inside of your body?
The respiratory system is responsible for the intake of oxygen and output of carbon dioxide. As we breathe, our bodies are retrieving, transforming, exchanging, and releasing gases. Our respiratory passageways warm, filter, and humidify the air that we breathe. Once oxygen is exchanged within our blood and cells, carbon dioxide can be released (Healthline, 2015).
The diaphragm, a large muscle below the lungs, initiates the breathing process by creating a vacuum-like effect. It begins with a downward pull, drawing air into the lungs (WebMd, 2015).
What is happening inside of your body?
The respiratory system is responsible for the intake of oxygen and output of carbon dioxide. As we breathe, our bodies are retrieving, transforming, exchanging, and releasing gases. Our respiratory passageways warm, filter, and humidify the air that we breathe. Once oxygen is exchanged within our blood and cells, carbon dioxide can be released (Healthline, 2015).
The diaphragm, a large muscle below the lungs, initiates the breathing process by creating a vacuum-like effect. It begins with a downward pull, drawing air into the lungs (WebMd, 2015).
The respiratory system is composed of six crucial organs:
- Nose
- Pharynx
- Larynx
- Trachea
- Main Bronchi
- Lungs
The nose is an important part of the respiratory system. When air enters the nostrils and nasal cavities, the mucosa lining traps any foreign debris. As air exits the body, tiny hairs called cilia push unclean mucus out of the nostrils (WebMd, 2015). The olfactory receptors, which are responsible for the sense of smell, are also found in the nose (Marieb, 2012).
The pharynx is commonly known as the throat. It is a muscular passageway divided into three regions. Both food and air travel through this structure before being redirected (Get Body Smart, 2015).
The larynx plays an important role, both with speech and in airway protection. Sounds used for speaking are produced by vibrations in the vocal folds. The epiglottis, a spoon-shaped cartilage flap, protects the trachea from incoming food or drink. During the swallowing process, muscles in the larynx contract, causing the epiglottis to cover the opening and redirect food to the esophagus. When the epiglottis is relaxed, air can flow freely into to the trachea (Get Body Smart, 2015).
Commonly known as the windpipe, the trachea connects the larynx to the lungs. It is the main airway leading to the lungs (Healthline, 2015). This feature is supported by cartilage rings. Posterior openings of the rings allow room for the esophagus to expand when swallowing larger pieces of food (Marshall, 2015).
The trachea splits into the right and left main bronchi. After entering the respective lungs, each bronchus further divides into bronchioles. These smaller branches lead to alveolar air sacs where gas is exchanged (WebMd, 2014). At this point, the air is clean, damp, and warm enough for the process (Marieb, 2012). Oxygen is absorbed by the passing blood, carried to the heart, and pumped to various cells in the body. Carbon dioxide is simultaneously carried back to the lungs to be exhaled (WebMd, 2015).
Relation to Other Systems
The respiratory system is a crucial part of the human body. Our bodies, and ALL of the systems within, could not survive without the constant renewal of oxygen. As mentioned above, this particular system can help in many ways, such as directing food to the digestive system or sending olfactory impulses to the nervous system.
In return, the other systems of the body help to support the respiratory process. For example, the cardiovascular system circulates processed oxygen via the bloodstream to necessary locations. The skeletal system protects the internal organs while the muscular system keeps the respiratory organs in place and causes lungs contractions (Masters, 2010).
The respiratory system is a crucial part of the human body. Our bodies, and ALL of the systems within, could not survive without the constant renewal of oxygen. As mentioned above, this particular system can help in many ways, such as directing food to the digestive system or sending olfactory impulses to the nervous system.
In return, the other systems of the body help to support the respiratory process. For example, the cardiovascular system circulates processed oxygen via the bloodstream to necessary locations. The skeletal system protects the internal organs while the muscular system keeps the respiratory organs in place and causes lungs contractions (Masters, 2010).