Respiratory System

Purpose of the Respiratory System To exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the blood of the human body.  Oxygen is needed for the process of cellular respiration: Glucose + Oxygen  ATP + Carbon Dioxide + Water 1

Anatomy of the Respiratory System 2

Nasal Cavity Filters out dust and other large particles in the air. Hair like structures called cilia, line this passageway & sweep the particles into the throat so they won’t get into the lungs. It also has mucous membranes to warm and moisten the air.

Phaynx & Larynx PHARYNX A location in the body that allows air and food pass through. This part of the body is shared with the respiratory and digestive system. LARYNX 1. It prevents food particles from traveling down into the lungs. A flap of tissue called epiglottis, covers the opening to this structure. 2. Contains vocal cords and helps produce vocalization.

Trachea A single long tube with cartilage rings. It is also known as the wind pipe.

Bronchi & Bronchioles BRONCHI Two small tubes that branch off from the trachea. They are airways that transport gas in and out of the lungs. BRONCHIOLES The smallest and narrowest airways of the respiratory system. At the end there is a bundle of air sacs.

Alveoli Thin air sacs that are the site of oxygen and carbon dioxide gas exchange. The sacs are bundled together like grapes. Blood capillaries surround it.

Diaphragm Muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. Contractions of the muscle expands the cavity. Relaxation of the muscle reduces the size of the cavity.

Alveoli Through the process of diffusion gas moves from an area of higher concentration to a lower concentration. The heart pumps blood to the lungs. O 2 diffuses into the blood capillary CO 2 diffuses out of the blood capillary 4

How does the body know when to inhale and exhale?

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The Diaphragm 5

Asthma Respiratory pathways become irritated by environmental factors such as dust, pollen & smoke. The bronchioles constrict. This condition is usually genetic. 6

Bronchitis Respiratory Pathways become infected, resulting in coughing and production of mucus in the bronchi and bronchioles. There are two versions of this condition: acute (short term) & chronic (long term). 6

Emphysema Alveoli break down, resulting in reduced surface area needed for gas exchange with alveoli’s blood capillaries. The person has great difficulty exhaling. Most common cause is cigarette smoke. 6

Lung Cancer Uncontrolled cell growth in lung tissue can lead to a persistent cough, shortness of breath, bronchitis, or pneumonia, and can lead to death. 6

Pneumonia Infection of the lungs that caused by a bacteria or virus. The alveoli are damaged and collect fluids. This leads to a high fever and difficulty breathing. 6

Tuberculosis A bacterium infects the lungs, resulting in less elasticity of the blood capillaries surrounding alveoli, thus decreasing effective gas exchange between the air and blood. This bacteria can easily be transmitted through the air and contaminated objects. Some bacterium are antibiotic resistant. 6