Respiratory System In Class Notes:

Function: (30.5) To provide oxygen to cells and remove carbon dioxide (waste product) from the body. Exchanges gases between blood and air.

Organs Involved: (30.5) Pharynx: chamber in upper throat; air passes through. Epiglottis: flap of tissue that covers air pathway and prevents water and food from entering. Larynx: voicebox. Trachea: windpipe. Forks into two bronchi Bronchi (singular: bronchus): air tubes that connect the trachea to the lungs. Bronchioles: branch off from bronchi. End in clusters of tiny air sacs called alveoli. Alveoli (singular: alveolus): oxygen passes from here into the blood, and carbon dioxide passes from the blood to the alveoli. Diaphragm: sheet of muscle that expands and contracts as you breathe.

Sequence of breathing Air enters through the nose and mouth because the diaphragm contracts, creating low air pressure in the lungs which sucks in air, then passing through the pharynx, then larynx, then trachea. It goes through the bronchi from the trachea, and then into the bronchioles. It then gets to the alveoli, which exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with the blood. The waste gas collected here then exits through the same path.

Parts you should know:

Diagram:

How is breathing regulated? The rate of breathing is controlled by the medulla in the brain. The rate of breathing increase when the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood is too high.

What effects does smoking have on the respiratory system? Smoking contaminates the respiratory system with many chemicals. Some of which, destroy cilia. Cilia clear the airways. Smoking can also cause Emphysema. A disease in which alveoli lose their elasticity. Not only that, but tobacco is very addictive.

Name at least 3 disorders & provide a description: Asthma- is the inflammation of the airways. Bronchitis- is the inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. Major cause? Smoking. Influenza- Infects respiratory tract. 3 types. The first two types are respiratory.