The Respiratory System

The Respiratory System Functions: Brings oxygen into the body Removes carbon dioxide and water, from the body. We breathe about 6L of air every minute. Air contains oxygen which is required for respiration to take place in our cells. Carbon dioxide and water are the waste products of respiration. Oxygen + Glucose = Carbon Dioxide + Water + Energy

The Respiratory System Nose Mouth Pharynx Larynx (Voice Box) Epiglottis Trachea (Windpipe) Lung Bronchus Alveoli Diaphragm

Nose and Mouth Two locations through which air enters the respiratory system. Which of these two locations is the BEST for you to breathe through? Why? Air is warmed by blood flowing through capillaries in the inner lining of the nose. Air is moistened by the mucus lining which prevents tissues from drying out. Air is cleaned by tiny hairs that trap dust particles and microscopic organisms. The Nose

The Pharynx Air moves into the pharynx, located at the back of the throat. Location where the digestive and respiratory systems cross. Food and air both travel through the pharynx. As air passes by the epiglottis and is directed down the trachea toward the lungs. Food would be directed into the esophagus when the epiglottis closes off the airway during swallowing.

The Larynx After the pharynx is the larynx, voice box. Vocal cords vibrate as air passes through them to create sound. Men’s vocal cords are longer thus deeper voices. Women’s vocal cords are shorter thus higher pitched voices. Stephen Tyler – 10:42 min

The Trachea The Trachea – (Windpipe) passes by the epiglottis and is directed down the trachea toward the lungs. Alternating bands of cartilage and smooth muscle make up the trachea. Tiny hairs line the trachea and trap particles that made it past the nose.

The Trachea Larynx Cartilage Rings Trachea

The Bronchi The lower end of the trachea splits into two tubes – Bronchi. One directs air to the left lung and one to the right lung. Bronchi

The Lungs Lungs are made up of smaller and smaller tubes that eventually end in small grape-like clusters called alveoli. Make up most of the tissue of the lungs. Make the lungs soft and spongy. Surrounded by capillaries and oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged here by diffusion.

The Alveoli Alveoli Bronchiole Capillaries One Alveolus

Lung Comparison

Lung Comparison Normal Emphysema

Mechanics of Breathing Breathing in: (Inspiration/Inhaling) Air pressure in your lungs is lower compared to the air pressure outside your body. Muscles attached to the ribs contract and pull up and out. The diaphragm, at the bottom of your chest, contracts and pulls down. Both actions make more room in your chest for the air to rush in.

(Air pressure is lower inside your lungs compared to out = Rushes In) (Up & Out) (Pulls Down)

Mechanics of Breathing Breathing out: (Expiration/Exhaling) Air pressure in your lungs is higher compared to the air pressure outside your body. Muscles in your chest relax, moving in and down. The diaphragm relaxes, moving up. Both actions reduce the amount of space available in your chest cavity, forcing air out.

(Air pressure is higher inside your lungs compared to out = Rushes out) (In & Down) (Moves Up)