The Respiratory System

Function of the respiratory system To provide a constant supply of oxygen to keep your body cells functioning To remove carbon dioxide from the body cells

Organs of the respiratory system Nose / mouth Nasal cavity Pharynx Epiglottis Larynx Trachea Primary Bronchi Bronchus (bronchi) Bronchioles Alveoli Pleura Diaphragm Lungs

Mouth & Nose Brings air into the body Nasal hairs in nostrils trap dust

Nasal cavity Warms & moistens air Glands that produce sticky mucus line the nasal cavity –traps dust, pollen, and other materials that were not trapped by nasal hairs –cilia sweep mucus and trapped material to the back of the throat where it can be swallowed

Pharynx Tube-like passageway used by food, liquid, and air At the lower end of the pharynx is a flap of tissue called the epiglottis –covers the trachea during swallowing so that food does not enter the lungs

Larynx “Voice box” The airway to which two pairs of horizontal folds of tissue, called vocal cords, are attached

Trachea Air-conducting tube Connects the larynx with the bronchi Lined with mucous membranes and cilia Contains strong cartilage rings

Primary Bronchi Two short tubes that branch off the lower end of the trachea Carry air into the lungs. Singular – bronchus Leads to secondary and tertiary branches

Bronchioles Tiny branches of air tubes in the lungs Connect bronchi to alveoli

Alveoli Tiny, thin-walled, grapelike clusters at the end of each bronchiole Surrounded by capillaries Where carbon dioxide and oxygen exchange take place Singular - alveolus

Pleura Membrane lining the lungs and chest cavity

Diaphragm Muscle wall between the chest and the abdomen that the body uses for breathing