Respiratory System

function of respiratory sysytem

The main function of the respiratory system is gas
exchange. Carbon dioxide is carried to the lungs in erythrocytes and
released, then the erythrocytes collect oxygen and deliver this
essential gas to our bodies. The mucus in the respiratory system
helps to protect it as well as to carry debris out of the respiratory
tract, which is assisted by the movements of little hair like
structures called cilia. Smoking causes the cilia to stop working and
that is why smokers have coughs. It takes 28 days for the cilia to
wake up and start working again after someone quits smoking. The
cilia also help remove pollution. The main function of the
respiratory system is to discard waste in the form of carbon dioxide
and to take in oxygen.

Parts and Function

Nose

Structure: Nose has a basic framework of bone and cartilage attached to muscle and the
outer skin lined with mucous membrane. The internal structure of the nose is connected to
the pharynx by two openings called internal nares.

Function: Air breathed in through the nose is warmed, moistened and filtered as it
passes through the conchae, three bony projections which are lined with mucous
membrane composed of cells which can trap particles of dust and germs. The filtered air
flows through the internal nare into the pharynx.

Pharynx:

Structure: Pharynx is shaped like a funnel. First portion of pharynx is known as

nasopharynx. Middle portion as oropharynx. Lowest portion as laryngopharynx.

Function: Pharynx has three major functions; the passage of air and foo, forms a
chamber for vocal sounds produced by larynx. Nasopharynx transports air and mucus
downwards. It has an opening known as Eustachian tubes which equalizes air pressure
between ears, nose and throat. Oropharynx receives air, food and fluid from the mouth.
Laryngopharynx acts as a passageway for food, fluids and air.

Larynx:

Structure: The structure of ligaments, muscles and cartilage in the larynx control the
tension in the cords. Epiglottis is a piece of elastic cartilage which is situated at the base of
the tongue and is joined, while a flap of the cartilage can move freely.
Function: Larynx produces vocal sounds when air is expelled over the vocal cords, two
membranes vibrate to produce sound. When food is swallowed the larynx rises and this
triggers the free flap of the epiglottis to move downwards, thereby creating a lid over the
larynx and channelling the food into the esophagus and not into the respiratory tract.

Trachea:

Structure: Trachea or wind pipe is approximately 10 cm long and its walls are supported
by incomplete cartilage rings which provide support but also flexibility. Inner walls of
trachea are covered with mucosal lining. The trachea then divides into the left and right
bronchus.

Function: Trachea forms a passage for air to travel from larynx to lungs. The inner wall
of trachea traps particles of dust and microorganisms which are moved upwardss and
expelled from the respiratory tract.

Bronchi

Structure: Trachea divides into left and right bronchus which are similar in structure to
trachea and lead into left and right lung respectively. The bronchi then branch into
secondary bronchi, then tertiary bronchi and the process of branching continues.
Bronchioles branch into respiratory bronchioles then into alevolar ducts and finally into
the alveolar sacs and the alveoli.

Function: Bronchi help in gaseous exchange within lungs.

Lungs:

Structure: Lungs are cone-shaped and extend from the collar bone to the surface of the
diaphragm. The mid-line of each lung contains a region known as the hilus, the area
through which blood and lymphatic vessels, nerves and primary bronchi enter and leave.
Each lung is divided into lobes, three in the right lung and two in the left, within which
there are smaller divisions known as lobules.

Function: Once the air reaches the alveoli, exchange of gases occur. Diffusion of gases
takes place across the thin capillary and alveolar walls. Oxygen is passed into the
capillaries for supply to body tissues and carbon dioxide is passed from the capillaries to
the alveoli to be expelled from the body during exhalation.