Respiratory System

Respiratory System
Includes: nasal
passages,
pharynx,
larynx,
epiglottis,
trachea, lungs,
bronchi,
bronchioles,
alveoli and
diaphragm
Function:
exchange of O2

Remember!

Cellular Respiration:
Cells need oxygen and glucose to make ATP
ATP provides energy for cells

2 Main Processes
Breathing: physical/mechanical action
Respiration

External: gas exchange between atmosphere and

body
Internal: gas exchange between blood and cells

Airs Pathway: Step 1

Air enters mouth

or nose
Air is filtered by:
Nose hairs
Cilia (sweep
foreign particles
toward throat)
Mucous
membranes
(also warm and
moisten air)

Airs Pathway: Step 2

Air enters
pharynx (upper
throat)
Epiglottis: flap of
skin that
prevents food
from entering
respiratory
tubes/lungs

Air passes through

trachea (windpipe)
Trachea splits into
2 bronchi
Bronchi lead into
lungs and
continue to branch
into bronchioles
Bronchioles lead
to Alveoli:

Airs Pathway: Step 3

air sac, walls 1 cell

thick, surrounded by
capillaries
Where gas
exchange happens

Breathing: Inhalation

Diaphragm
contracts, moves
down
Chest cavity
expands,
allowing air to
move into lungs

Breathing: Exhalation

Diaphragm
relaxes, moves
up to normal
position
Chest cavity
reduced
Air flows out