THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM By: Indya Welch and Clarissa Grant

FUNCTION OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM The function of the respiratory system is to supply the blood with oxygen in order for the blood to deliver oxygen to all parts of the body. The respiratory system does this through breathing. When we breathe, we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide.

MAJOR ORGANS OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM The major organs of the respiratory system are the lungs, nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and the bronchioles.

FUNCTION OF EACH OF THE ORGANS Pharynx: the tube or cavity, with its surrounding membrane and muscles, that connects the mouth and nasal passages with the esophagus. Larynx: a muscular and cartilaginous structure lined with mucous membrane at the upper part of the trachea, in which the vocal cords are located. Trachea: the tube extending from the larynx to the bronchi, serving as the principal passage for conveying air to and from the lungs; the windpipe. Bronchi: the two main branches of the trachea. Bronchioles: a small branch of a bronchi. Lungs: they take in oxygen when you inhale and when you exhale you breathe out carbon dioxide. Diaphragm: a muscular, membrane or ligamentous wall separating two cavities or limiting a cavity.

BODY SYSTEMS THAT WORK WITH THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM One system that the Respiratory system works with is the digestive system. Food first goes down to the throat, and moves to the digestive system. It then breaks down the food into smaller substances that the body can use consisting of proteins. Both systems end up helping each other. The Digestive System provides our body with nutrients and the Respiratory System gives the Digestive oxygen. Another system that the Respiratory system works with is the nervous system. The nervous system has a very different job compared to the Respiratory System, the nervous system consists of nerves (which makes you feel things, such as pain). It commands your body what to do by communicating with the brain. It even helps the Respiratory System by letting you notice when you are breathing and have most control. The nervous system is also what tells you to cry or scream when you get hurt. The last system that works with the Respiratory system is the Circulatory system. The circulatory system is the system that transfers the food nutrients and oxygen to our body’s cells. It also helps to transport carbon dioxide and waste products. This helps the respiratory system move nutrients to keep the lungs cleansed. In exchange, the respiratory system lets air in to keep the circulatory system working.

HOW THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM WORKS The main job of the Respiratory System is to provide the blood with oxygen, so the rest of the body can get oxygen too. The body does this by breathing. Our body breathes in oxygen, and breathes out carbon dioxide. By changing these gases in our bodies, the blood gets oxygen. Molecules of oxygen and carbon dioxide are passively exchanged. The Respiratory System gets oxygen through the mouth, nose, trachea, lungs, and diaphragm. Oxygen enters through the nose and mouth and travels through the larynx and the trachea. The inhaled oxygen then follows a path through your body. At the same time, the blood in the veins releases carbon to alveoli. The diaphragm’s job is to pump out the carbon dioxide. When the diaphragm relaxes, breathing takes place.