Download Respiratory System Functions

Respiratory System Functions
The human respiratory system comprises lungs, airways, and the respiratory muscles. Its primary
function is exchange of gases to aid breathing. This article will tell you more on the human
respiratory system, its parts and functions.
Respiration is defined as the process of inhalation of oxygen in the body and exhalation of carbon
dioxide out of the body. This is carried out with the help of organs of the respiratory system, i.e., nose,
pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, and respiratory muscles. Let us know more on it.
The Human Respiratory System
The respiratory system is divided into two parts, viz., the upper respiratory tract and the lower
respiratory tract. The following are the organs of the upper and the lower respiratory tract.
The Upper Respiratory Tract
► Nose (nostrils) - It is the entrance of the respiratory tract and helps in allowing air to flow in and out.
It humidifies, warms, and filters the air that comes in.
► Pharynx (throat) - It is located at the back of the mouth, and connects the mouth to the esophagus
(food pipe). It is a passage for air and food.
► Larynx - It is present at the top of trachea and contains vocal cords. It is also known as the voice box.
It helps in controlling breathing and swallowing.
► Trachea (windpipe) - It is a tubelike structure that helps in passing air from larynx to bronchi. It also
warms the air and prevents foreign bodies from entering lungs.
The Lower Respiratory Tract
► Bronchi - These are the airways of the lungs diverging from the trachea. They carry air in and out of
the lungs.
► Bronchioles - These are branches of the bronchi that conduct air into the lungs. They perform the
same function as the bronchi.
► Alveoli (air sacs) - These are sacs in the lungs and contain elastic fibers. The exchange of carbon
dioxide and oxygen occurs here.
► Lungs - These are the two inverted-cone shaped organs present in the chest of human beings. The
function of lungs is to take in oxygen into the body and expel carbon dioxide
Respiration is defined as the process of inhalation of oxygen in the body and exhalation of carbon
dioxide out of the body. This is carried out with the help of organs of the respiratory system, i.e., nose,
pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, and respiratory muscles. Let us know more on it.
The Human Respiratory System
The respiratory system is divided into two parts, viz., the upper respiratory tract and the lower
respiratory tract. The following are the organs of the upper and the lower respiratory tract.
The Upper Respiratory Tract
► Nose (nostrils) - It is the entrance of the respiratory tract and helps in allowing air to flow in and out.
It humidifies, warms, and filters the air that comes in.
► Pharynx (throat) - It is located at the back of the mouth, and connects the mouth to the esophagus
(food pipe). It is a passage for air and food.
► Larynx - It is present at the top of trachea and contains vocal cords. It is also known as the voice box.
It helps in controlling breathing and swallowing.
► Trachea (windpipe) - It is a tubelike structure that helps in passing air from larynx to bronchi. It also
warms the air and prevents foreign bodies from entering lungs.
The Lower Respiratory Tract
► Bronchi - These are the airways of the lungs diverging from the trachea. They carry air in and out of
the lungs.
► Bronchioles - These are branches of the bronchi that conduct air into the lungs. They perform the
same function as the bronchi.
► Alveoli (air sacs) - These are sacs in the lungs and contain elastic fibers. The exchange of carbon
dioxide and oxygen occurs here.
► Lungs - These are the two inverted-cone shaped organs present in the chest of human beings. The
function of lungs is to take in oxygen into the body and expel carbon dioxide