The Respiratory System Function and Organs
The Respiratory System Its basic function is to supply our body cells with oxygen. Excretes carbon dioxide from the body.
Breathing Breathing is the process where fresh air moves into your lungs and old air moves out. Fresh air contains oxygen. This is the result of change in air pressure in your lungs.
Aerobic Respiration Chemical reaction that takes place in your body cells. This chemical reaction releases energy from glucose in the mitochondria. See if you remember the chemical equation for respiration!
Basic Organs and their function:
Nasal Cavity 1. Contains tube like passages enclosed by facial bones. 2. Contains plates in each nostril which are covered with a mucous membranes that moisten the air. 3. Filters dust and foreign particles. 4. Raises the temperature of cold air before it enters the lungs.
Pharynx 1. Is the common passage for air and food. Located in the back of the throat.
Epiglottis Thin structure that folds over to close the opening to the trachea. Voluntary muscle control. (swallowing) Prevents food from entering the lungs.
Larynx Airway to which your vocal cords are attached. This leads to your trachea (windpipe).
Trachea (windpipe) 1. Tube with rings of cartilage that connects the larynx to the lungs. Lined with mucous and cilia (hair-like structure needed to filter the air. (10 cm) 4 inches
Bronchial Tubes 1. At the end of the trachea, the tubes separate into two branches called bronchi. 2. Divided into many tiny tubes which penetrate into all parts of the lungs called bronchioles. Lined with mucous membranes and cilia.
Alveoli are tiny, thin walled air sacs that exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with the blood. They are surrounded by blood vessels called Capillaries. http://video.about.com/asthma/How-Lungs-Function.htm
Diaphragm 1. Is a muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. 2. Aids in breathing by changing the pressure in the thorax (chest) when it contracts, allowing air to rush in and fill the lungs.
The Respiration Process
Inspiration (inhale) 1. Fresh air flows into the lungs, O2 2. the trachea and nostrils open up, 3. the rib muscles expand (relax) and the diaphragm contracts, and 4. the chest cavity increases and air rushes in.
Exhalation (exhale) 1. Air flows out of the lungs, 2. relaxation occurs in the trachea and nostrils, 3. the rib muscles contract, and the diaphragm relaxes. 4. the size of the chest cavity decreases, and air flows out.
Regulation of respiration 1. Controlled by the respiratory center in the brain. 2. Respiration rate is affected by: A. excitement B. temperature C. exercise D. fever or pain, and E. oxygen levels in the blood (and brain)
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