Respiratory System

What structures does air pass through to get to the lungs?

What is the purpose of the respiratory system? Supply oxygen to the blood Eliminate carbon diaoxide

Nose and Sinuses Air comes in through the nose Small hairs filter the air Blood in the lining of the nostrils warms air Glands produce mucus to trap dust If air is inhaled through the mouth, the dust can get into the lungs and irritate the respiratory tract The small air spaces in the nasal cavity are called sinuses Help moisten the air

Inside of the nasal cavity

The pharynx Opens to the nose and the mouth for air to pass as well as food Tonsils are on both sides of the pharynx Can get inflmmed

Larynx “Adam’s apple” Food and air pass through Epiglotis- closes off the passage way so food only goes to the esophogus Also called the voice box

The Trachea The base of the larynx joins the trachea Called the windpipe Carilage keeps the trachea open Lined with mucous and cilia

Bronchi and Lungs Two branches Air goes into the bronchi branches to the bronchiloes Then air goes to the small air sacs (alveoli) Capillaries surround the alveoli Oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse across the membrane