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Adela Genoves
G510 Life Science for Middle School Educators
Human Respiratory System Lesson
The respiratory system’s main job is to get oxygen into the body and remove carbons dioxide.
All the cells found in the body require oxygen to release the energy needed to live. Cells need a
continuous supply of air because the space in a cell is too small for storage of oxygen. Carbon
dioxide is produced by cells as a byproduct of respiration and taken out of the body because it
would be harmful to the body if retained. The lungs are the principal parts of the respiratory
system. Once oxygen enters the lungs, this oxygen can enter the bloodstream.
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Respiratory System
Parts of the respiratory system are located in the head, neck, and chest. Air passages carry air
(oxygen) to and from the lungs. Oxygen enters the nose then moves through the throat, larynx,
trachea, and then into a bronchus which leads into the lungs.
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Interesting Point: With every breath, more than 15 ounces of air is taken into the lungs.
Exchange of gases-- Once oxygen enters the nose it travels through the respiratory system
where it is delivered to the capillaries which absorb the oxygen from the alveoli. Oxygen and
carbon dioxide combine with the hemoglobin in red blood cells. Then they are circulated in the
blood and are transported throughout the body. Arteries carry oxygen rich blood to the heart,
where it is pumped to other regions of the body. Veins carry carbon dioxide and bring blood
cells with little oxygen back into the lungs to deposit carbon dioxide into the lungs.
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Nose
The nose is the natural access route of air to the inside of the body.
Pharynx
The pharynx is a passage located behind the nasal area and the mouth. It contains the
crossroad between the respiratory systems and the digestive system because it pipes
air to the larynx and food to the esophagus. The epiglottis is the flap that prevent food
from going into the lungs when swallowing
Larynx
The Larynx is also known as the voice box. It contains the vocal cords.
Trachea
The Trachea, also known as the windpipe resembles a tube and carries air to between
the Larynx and the Lungs. The lower part of the Trachea splits into two branches
called Bronchi that enter the Lungs. The Trachea is supported from collapsing by
pieces of cartilage that are shaped like the letter C. The Trachea also makes sticky
mucus that traps dust and pathogens.
Bronchus
The Bronchus grows out of the Trachea. The Bronchus divides into two Bronchi that
lead into the right and the left Lung. The Bronchus continues divide into narrower
branches called Bronchioles. This whole system resembles the branches of a leafless
tree turned upside down.
Bronchioles
Bronchioles stem from the Bronchi and are the smallest air passage of the bronchial
tree. Each bronchiole ends in a cluster of alveoli.
Alveoli
Alveoli are air sacs attached to the tips of Bronchioles that work to exchange gas in the
lungs. Alveoli resemble a bunch of grapes attached to a stem. Alveoli are covered by
capillaries, which pick-up Oxygen and carry it away from the lung and deliver Carbon
dioxide back to the lungs and out of the body.
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Lungs
The lungs are two spongy organs housed inside the chest cavity and linked directly to
the outside through the respiratory tracts. They perform the exchange of gases
between the air and the blood. Each lung has a flattened base that rests against the
diaphragm. The lungs are grooves by deep fissures that divide them into lobes. Each
pulmonary lobe exchanges air and carbon dioxide by containing alveoli. In mammals
and the more complex life forms, the two lungs are located in the chest on either side
of the heart. Their principal function is to transport oxygen from the atmosphere into
the bloodstream, and to release carbon dioxide from the bloodstream into the
atmosphere. This exchange of gases is accomplished in the mosaic of specialized cells
that form millions of tiny, exceptionally thin-walled air sacs called alveoli.
Capillaries
Capillaries are delicate vessels with fine walls that facilitate the exchange of gases
between the blood and the tissues.
Red Blood Cells
The main function of red blood cells, or erythrocytes, is transporting oxygen to the
cells. Red blood cells contain a molecule called hemoglobin, to which oxygen binds
until it reaches its destination.
Thoraco-abdominal Diaphragm
The abdominal diaphragm is the term used to describe any of several large muscles,
found in humans and other mammals, which separate two adjacent regions of the
body. The most commonly known muscle of this class is the thoraco-abdominal
diaphragm. In humans, the thoraco-abdominal diaphragm acts as a partition between
the cavity of the chest and that of the abdomen. The chief muscle used in respiration,
it is relaxed and dome-shaped during exhalation. During inhalation it contracts, pulling
downward, and with the combined contraction of the chest muscles allows the chest
cavity to expand. The thoraco-abdominal diaphragm is also subject to developmental
defects, hernia, injury, displacement, and infection.
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http://www.nucleusinc.com
What Protects the Lungs?
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The ribs surrounding the lungs provide the Lungs protection from physical damage.
Alveolar macrophages, also known as dust cells surround and engulf (eat) infectious
microorganisms and dust to stop them from interfering with the Oxygen and Carbon
dioxide exchange (also known as gas exchange) inside the lungs.
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Thorax—The thorax is the part of the body between the neck and the abdomen. It
contains the major portion of the organs of the respiratory system. The chest wall is
responsible for protecting the heart and the lungs.
What controls Respiration?
Although humans can control their breathing for a short time, it is typically an involuntary
function. Breathing is controlled by a respiration center located in the encephalic trunk. The
respiratory center regulates the frequency and intensity of breathing air in.
Oxygen IN Carbon dioxide OUT (Gas Exchange)
Blood picks-up Oxygen in the Lungs. As the blood circulates Oxygen through the capillary
networks, Oxygen is swapped for Carbon dioxide. Oxygen and glucose (also known as sugar)
are transferred from the blood into cells. Oxygen in cells is used to release energy. The waste
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products of releasing energy are Carbon dioxide and water. Carbon dioxide and water are
transferred from the cell into the blood.
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Lung Related Diseases
Asthma -- is a very common chronic disease involving the respiratory system in which the
airways constrict, become inflamed, and are lined with excessive amounts of mucus, often in
response to one or more triggers.[1] These episodes may be triggered by such things as
exposure to an environmental stimulant such as an allergen, environmental tobacco smoke,
cold or warm air, perfume, pet dander, moist air, exercise or exertion, or emotional stress. In
children, the most common triggers are viral illnesses such as those that cause the common
cold.[2] This airway narrowing causes symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest
tightness, and coughing. The airway constriction responds to bronchodilators. Between
episodes, most patients feel well but can have mild symptoms and they may remain short of
breath after exercise for longer periods of time than the unaffected individual. The symptoms
of asthma, which can range from mild to life threatening, can usually, be controlled with a
combination of drugs and environmental changes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asthma
http://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/images/asthma.jpg
Bronchitis – mean that the tubes that carry air to the lungs (the bronchial tubes) are inflamed
and irritated. When this happens, the tubes swell and produce mucus. This makes you cough.
Acute bronchitis is one type of bronchitis that comes on quickly and gets better after 2 to 3
weeks. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus. A person gets acute bronchitis after
having a cold or the flu. Acute bronchitis can also be caused by breathing in things that irritate
the bronchial tubes, such as smoke. Symptoms of acute bronchitis are a cough that is dry and
hacking at first. After a few days, the cough may bring up mucus. You may have a low fever
and feel tired.
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http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/acute-bronchitis-topic-overview
Emphysema – is a long-term, progressive disease of the lung(s) and occurs when the alveolar
walls are destroyed along with the capillary blood vessels that run within them. This lessens the
total area within the lung where blood and air can come together, limiting the potential for
oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer. The main cause of emphysema is smoking, which activates
inflammatory cells in the lung. This inflammation causes; 1) swelling within the bronchioles, and
2) activation of enzymes called proteases which attack and destroy lung tissue (the alveolar wall
structures). Emphysema is a progressive disease that usually appears in patients after 50 year
of age. Symptoms for Emphysema include shortness of breath and wheezing.
http://www.medicinenet.com/emphysema/page3.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/emphysema/article.htm
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Science Standards Alignment
6th grade
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(6.2.LS.1) Describe the interactions between and among cells, tissues, organs and organ
systems.
(Scientific Inquiry 6.3.1) Based on observation and scientific knowledge and concepts
propose hypotheses that can be examined through scientific investigation, design, and
conduct an investigation that uses appropriate tools and techniques and collect relevant
data.
7th grade
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(7.1.LS.1) Describe the function and relative complexity of cells, tissues, organs, and
organ systems in organisms and explain that different body tissues and organs are made
up of different kinds of cells.
(Scientific Inquiry 6.3.1) Based on observation and scientific knowledge and concepts
propose hypotheses that can be examined through scientific investigation, design, and
conduct an investigation that uses appropriate tools and techniques and collect relevant
data.
8th grade
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n/a
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Lab 1:
Carbon dioxide OUT
Materials
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Distilled water
Bromothymol blue
Straws
Timers
Glass jars
STEP-by-STEP
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Fill glass jar half full with distilled water
Add 5 drops of bromothymol blue
Place straw in solution (water with bromothymol blue)
EXHALE OUT, into the solution for 2 minutes
Water color after 2 minutes
Water color after 4 minutes
No running
Running in place for 5 min.
Connections
The water will turn from light blue to green or yellow-green after exhaling into the solution.
Bromothymol blue is an acid indicator that is blue in a basic solution. When the solution
appears yellow, the solution is more acidic. Acid is a substance that tastes sour and neutralizes
bases. A base is a substance that tastes bitter and neutralizes acids. The Carbon dioxide that is
exhaled (breathed out) from the lungs will mix with water to from a weak acid called Carbonic
acid. The Carbonic acid turn the bromothymol blue a green or yellow color. Exercise requires
that muscle cells use carbohydrates for energy. The result of using Oxygen and carbohydrates
to work is Carbon dioxide gas that needs to exit the body. After exercise, the body will produce
more Carbon dioxide that will be present when exhaling. The bromothymol blue will turn color
faster when breathing into the solution after some exercise.
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Lab 2:
Breathing and the Diaphragm
Materials & Cost
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Total
Scissors
Rubber bands
Clay
Tape
Balloon (small and large size)
Plastic straws
3-way connectors
Nails
2-liter soda bottles
$ 3.00
$ 0.59
$ 3.00
$ 2.00
$ 1.00
$ 1.00
$ 0.70
-----free
$11.00
Step-by-Step
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Cut off the bottom 3rd of the soda bottle
Drill a hole in the soda cap with the nail
Cut the end off of the large balloon
Stick the straw in the opening of the small balloon. Secure with a rubber band.
Put the straw with balloon through the hole in the cap. Screw the cap on the bottle.
Use the clay to seal the straw in place
Stretch the large balloon taut over the bottom opening. Use a rubber band to secure
the balloon in place.
Use tape to secure the balloon onto the bottle
Pull down the bottom balloon
Connections
The small balloon inside will inflate when the large balloon is pulled down. The Diaphragm is a
band of muscles located at the bottom of the chest cavity. When you inhale, the diaphragm
contracts (becomes smaller), it flattens and pull downward. The volume of the chest cavity
increases and the pressure inside it decreases. Because air pressure outside of the body is
greater than the pressure inside the chest cavity, air rushed in through the mouth and nose.
When exhaling, the Diaphragm releases and returns to its original shape. It decreases in
volume and increases in pressure.
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http://kvhs.nbed.nb.ca/gallant/biology/mammalian_respiratory_system.jpg
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Assessment 1:
Student writing-to-learn exercise based on building lungs activity
1. Beginning Idea – What are my questions?
2. Tests -- What did I do?
3. Observations -- What did I see?
4. Claims – What can I claim?
5. Evidence – How do I know? Why am I making these claims?
6. Reading – How do my ideas compare with other ideas?
7. Reflection -- How have my ideas changed?
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Assessment 2:
The Human Respiratory System Quiz
Name ________________________________________________
Please circle the best answer.
1. What is the respiratory system’s main function?
a. To get oxygen into the body and remove carbons dioxide from the body
b. To get carbon dioxide into the body and remove oxygen from the body
c. To transport blood throughout the body
2. What function does the Trachea perform in the respiratory system?
a. It is the highway that carries air to between the Larynx and the Lungs.
b. It is inside the lungs and helps with exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide.
c. It has nothing to do with the respiratory system.
3. Where is the Thorax?
a. It is part of the body between the neck and the abdomen
b. It is part of the body between the mouth and the larynx
c. It is the areas where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged
4. What protects the heart and the lungs?
a. The chest wall and ribs
b. The epidermis
c. The system of capillaries
5. What is the chief muscle used in respiration?
a. Thoraco-abdominla diaphragm
b. The Heart
c. The Lungs
d. The mouth
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6. What are Capillaries:
a. Capillaries are delicate vessels that facilitate the exchange of gases between the
blood and the tissues.
b. Capillaries are the red blood cells that carry oxygen and carbon dioxide
c. Capillaries are organs in the body.
7. How are the lungs best described?
a. The lungs are hard organs that have nothing to do with respiration
b. The lungs are two spongy organs inside the thorax and linked to the respiratory
tract.
c. The lungs are grooved by deep fissures and have a flattened base that rest against
the diaphragm.
d. Both b. and c.
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8. Label the parts in this diagram.
Image From: http://www.lessontutor.com/jm_digestive.html
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Nose
Mouth
Larynx
Right Lung
Right Bronchi
Diaphragm
7. Pharynx
8. Trachea
9. Left Bronchus
10. Bronchioles
11. Alveoli
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9. Please explain how Gas Exchange works.
_____________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________
10. Please explain how the Thoraco-abdominal diaphragm behaves during
respiration.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
11. Please draw how Alveoli exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with red
blood cells in the capillaries.
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Main Components of Human Respiratory System
The Nose - Usually air will enter the respiratory system through the nostrils. The nostrils then
lead to open spaces in the nose called the nasal passages. The nasal passages serve as a
moistener, a filter, and to warm up the air before it reaches the lungs. The hairs existing within
the nostrils prevent various foreign particles from entering. Different air passageways and the
nasal passages are covered with a mucous membrane. Many of the cells which produce the cells
that make up the membrane contain cilia. Others secrete a type a sticky fluid called mucus. The
mucus and cilia collect dust, bacteria, and other particles in the air. The mucus also helps in
moistening the air. Under the mucous membrane there are a large number of capillaries. The
blood within these capillaries helps to warm the air as it passes through the nose. The nose
serves three purposes. It warms, filters, and moistens the air before it reaches the lungs. You
will obviously lose these special advantages if you breathe through your mouth.
Pharynx and Larynx - Air travels from the nasal passages to the pharynx, or more
commonly known as the throat. When the air leaves the pharynx it passes into the larynx, or the
voice box. The voice box is constructed mainly of cartilage, which is a flexible connective
tissue. The vocal chords are two pairs of membranes that are stretched across the inside of the
larynx. As the air is expired, the vocal chords vibrate. Humans can control the vibrations of the
vocal chords, which enables us to make sounds. Food and liquids are blocked from entering the
opening of the larynx by the epiglottis to prevent people from choking during swallowing.
Trachea - The larynx goes directly into the trachea or the windpipe. The trachea is a tube
approximately 12 centimeters in length and 2.5 centimeters wide. The trachea is kept open by
rings of cartilage within its walls. Similar to the nasal passages, the trachea is covered with a
ciliated mucous membrane. Usually the cilia move mucus and trapped foreign matter to the
pharynx. After that, they leave the air passages and are normally swallowed. The respiratory
system cannot deal with tobacco smoke very keenly. Smoking stops the cilia from moving. Just
one cigarette slows their motion for about 20 minutes. The tobacco smoke increases the amount
of mucus in the air passages. When smokers cough, their body is attempting to dispose of the
extra mucus.
Bronchi - Around the center of the chest, the trachea divides into two cartilage-ringed tubes
called bronchi. Also, this section of the respiratory system is lined with ciliated cells. The
bronchi enter the lungs and spread into a treelike fashion into smaller tubes called bronchial
tubes.
Bronchioles - The bronchial tubes divide and then subdivide. By doing this their walls become
thinner and have less and less cartilage. Eventually, they become a tiny group of tubes called
bronchioles.
Alveoli - Each bronchiole ends in a tiny air chamber that looks like a bunch of grapes. Each
chamber contains many cup-shaped cavities known as alveoli. The walls of the alveoli, which
are only about one cell thick, are the respiratory surface. They are thin, moist, and are
surrounded by several numbers of capillaries. The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
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between blood and air occurs through these walls. The estimation is that lungs contain about 300
million alveoli. Their total surface area would be about 70 square meters. That is 40 times the
surface area of the skin. Smoking makes it difficult for oxygen to be taken through the alveoli.
When the cigarette smoke is inhaled, about one-third of the particles will remain within the
alveoli. There are too many particles from smoking or from other sources of air pollution which
can damage the walls in the alveoli. This causes a certain tissue to form. This tissue reduces the
working area of the respiratory surface and leads to the disease called emphysema.
References
e.guides Human Body by Richard Walker. ISBN 0 7566 1009 5
Head to Toe Science by Jim Wiese. ISBN 0-471-33203-8
Insiders Human Body. ISBN 13
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/sci/A0815416.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lung
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diaphragm_(anatomy)
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