The Respiratory System Breath of life- The air we breathe consists of approximately 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, and other trace amount of other gases. Main Function- 1. To bring in fresh oxygen for your cells 2. To get rid of carbon dioxide from the cells The Respiratory System

Parts of The Respiratory System A. Nose and Mouth- air enters and is warmed and cleaned by tiny hairs (cilia)

B. Pharynx- the back of the throat- where the mouth and nose meet. Uvula- tissue that hangs at back of the throat to protect nasal area

C. Epiglottis- flap that protects trachea when we swallow.

D. Larynx- the voice box contains our vocal cords.

E. Trachea- the wind pipe. Supported by rings of cartilage.

Bronchi- 2 tubes that branch off and carry air to each lung

G. Lungs- two balloon like structures made up of thousands of tiny air sacs called alveoli. Each alveoli exchanges oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) when we breathe.

H. Diaphragm- the floor of the chest cavity. A muscle that contracts when you inhale and relaxes when you exhale.

Problems of Respiration 1. Flu and Colds- caused by a virus. Symptoms- cough, runny nose, body aches , and fever - Treatment- rest, drink fluids, OTC cold medicines, see your doctor.

2. Tuberculosis- bacterial lung infection. Symptoms- dry cough, chest pain - Treatment- antibiotics

3. Pneumonia- inflammation of the lung tissue causing lungs to fill with fluid Symptoms- severe cold an cough, fever, chest pain -Treatment- antibiotics, rest, oxygen tent

4. Bronchitis- infection of the bronchi. Symptoms- coughing, thick mucus, can lead to pneumonia -Treatment- antibiotics, rest, pain and cough medicine

5. Asthma- an allergic response to dust, pollen, or other irritants that causes airway to swell shut an fill with mucus. Symptoms- out of breath, wheezing, coughing -Treatment- inhaler (medicine), breathe oxygen, avoid allergens

6. Emphysema- number one cause smoking A condition where the alveoli are destroyed do not expand and contract- can’t breathe! -Treatment- no cure!, oxygen, remove mucus build-up

7. Lung Cancer- lung tissue is destroyed by disease. Most common type of cancer in both men and women. Number one cause Smoking! -Treatment- radiation, chemotherapy, surgery

Care of Respiratory System 1. Don’t Smoke 2. Avoid harmful vapors, pollutants, etc. 3. Exercise to keep healthy 4. Wear protective masks when exposed to dust, paint, etc. 5. See a doctor if problems occur or persist