What do you think the alveoli and a flatworm have in common?

Messenger and Scribe Organise yourselves into groups of four. Nominate one person from your group to be messenger…

Structure and Function of the Respiratory System Will go through the structure and it’s function in turn Will provide an analogy for each At the end – each group will come up with their own analogies Will make and label own diagram and summary table

Trachea Allows passage of air C shaped cartilage rings for strength Analogy: The trachea is like the eurotunnel – allows passage through and has reinforced rings along length to prevent collapse

Bronchus and Bronchioles Trachea branches into two bronchus (one to each lung) Bronchus further branch into bronchioles Cartilage also present but not as regular as trachea Analogy Bronchi and Bronchioles are like A and B roads coming from a motorway

Alveoli Tiny sacs found in lungs Thin barrier – one cell, squamous epithelium Increase surface area Alveoli Analogy Alveoli are like adding lots of cubicles to an office to increase the amount of people who can work there

Blood Capillaries Network of capillaries covers the alveoli Allows there to be constant supply of blood Means continual concentration gradient * Thin barrier – one cell Analogy Blood capillaries supplying blood to the alveoli are like having lots of service stations on a motorway to make sure there is a constant supply of available fuel

Ribs and intercostal muscles Ribs protect lung from damage Intercostal muscles found between ribs Allow movement in breathing Analogy The rib cage is like a motorcycle roll bar providing protection The intercostal muscles are like a balloon allowing for inflation

Diaphragm The diaphragm is a sheet of muscle found below the lung Separates thorax from abdomen Provides movement Analogy The diaphragm is like bellows ‐ providing movement to allow intake of air

In your teams come up with your own analogies for the components of the respiratory system