Respiratory System

Purpose Breathing is not the same thing as respiration Respiration gets oxygen from the environment and removes carbon dioxide from the body Breathing is inhaling and exhaling

Path of airflow Nasal cavity Openings of the nose where oxygen first enters the body Have hair-like structures called cilia Mucus traps dust from the air in the nose Sneezing gets dust out of the body

Path of airflow Pharynx (Throat) Where air enters the body Larynx The voice box which contains the vocal chords Vibrations of the vocal chords produces sound

Path of airflow Trachea Also known as the windpipe Epiglottis A flap that keeps food from entering the airway

Path of airflow Trachea branches into two bronchi The bronchi branch into smaller and smaller branches called bronchioles Air enters the lungs from the bronchioles Alveoli are tiny sacs of air used for gas exchange

Gas Exchange A process in which the body exchanges oxygen with carbon dioxide (waste product) This occurs at the capillaries of tiny air sacs called alveoli Diffusion

Cellular Respiration A process in which oxygen is used to release energy Glucose and oxygen are needed for cellular respiration Carbon dioxide is a waste product

Breathing Process Breathing- movement of the diaphragm Inhalation – air is brought into the lungs Diaphragm contracts (flattens) and lowers Ribs raise up and out Lungs inflate because during breathing which “sucks” air into the lungs

Breathing Process Exhalation – air is pushed out of the lungs Diaphragm relaxes and moves upward Ribs drop down and in Lungs deflate and this pushes the air out of the lungs

Respiratory Disorders Asthma- Long term disease of the lungs that narrows the airways Symptoms-Wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing Treatment- medication (inhaler)

Respiratory Disorders Emphysema- lungs lose their elasticity and the air sacs become damaged caused by years of smoking Symptoms- shallow breathing and even death. Treatment- stop smoking and use of oxygen tank for additional help