Human Respiratory System

The human respiratory system is the mechanism in humans that takes in oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide (also known as the cardiovascular system). As the human body’s gas-exchanging organ, the lungs are housed within the thorax, where their delicate tissues are guarded by the bony and muscular thoracic cage. The lung is responsible for providing a continuous flow of oxygen to the tissues of the human body as well as clearing the blood of the gaseous waste product carbon dioxide. Conducting airways are a series of pipes that connect the gas-exchange zone of the body with the outside of the body. Atmospheric air is pushed in and out regularly through this system. The airways can be separated into two groups: the upper airway system and the lower airway system. The transition between the two systems occurs at the point where the routes of the respiratory and digestive systems come together, which is near the top of the larynx (voice box).

Parts of the respiratory system

The respiratory system is made up of several different components that all work together to allow you to breathe. Each group of parts contains a large number of individual components.

Your airways are responsible for delivering air to your lungs. Your airways are a complex system that contains the following components:

• Mouth and nose: These are the openings that allow air to enter your respiratory system from outside your body.
• Sinuses:  Sinuses are hollow spaces between the bones in your skull that assist to regulate the temperature and humidity of the air you breathe via your nose.
• The pharynx (throat): tube that connects your mouth and nose to your trachea, which is where you breathe (windpipe).
• Trachea:   The trachea is the passageway that connects your throat and lungs.
•  Bronchial tubes:  In the bottom of your windpipe are tubes that link to each lung, which are called bronchial tubes.
•  Lungs:  A pair of organs that extract oxygen from the air and transport it into your bloodstream are known as the lungs.

Your bloodstream transports oxygen from your lungs to all of your organs and other tissues throughout your body.

Muscles and bones aid in the movement of air into and out of your lungs while you breathe. The following are examples of bones and muscles found in the respiratory system:

• The diaphragm is a muscle that assists your lungs in drawing in air and exhaling it.
• A set of bones that surround and protect your lungs and heart are known as ribs.

When you exhale, your blood transports carbon dioxide and other waste products from your body to the outside world. Other components that act in conjunction with the lungs and blood vessels are as follows:

• Alveoli are small air sacs found in the lungs that are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• Bronchioles are small branches of the bronchial tubes that connect the bronchial tubes with the alveoli.
• Capillaries are small blood veins found in the alveolar walls that transport oxygen and carbon dioxide between cells.
• Lung lobes are sections of the lungs that are divided into three lobes in the right lung and two lobes in the left.
• Pleura: Thin sacs that surround each lung lobe and separate your lungs from the chest wall.

Some of the other components of your respiratory system include

• Small hairs that move in a wave-like fashion to filter dust and other irritants out of your lungs are known as cilia.
• To protect food and liquids from getting into your airway, seal the epiglottis when you swallow to prevent them from getting into your airway.
• This hollow organ, which allows you to speak and generate sounds when air goes in and out, is known as the larynx (voice box).

Conditions affecting the Respiratory System

A wide range of disorders can impact the organs and tissues that comprise the respiratory system. In other cases, the condition is caused by irritants inhaled through the air, such as viruses or bacteria that might induce an infection. Others occur as a result of illness or as a result of growing older.

Conditions that can induce inflammation (swelling, irritation, and pain) or have other effects on the respiratory system include bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma.

• Allergies: allergies are caused by inhaling proteins such as dust, mould, and pollen. Some persons are allergic to these proteins. These proteins have the potential to promote inflammation in the airways.
• Asthma:  A chronic (long-term) illness, asthma is characterised by inflammation of the airways, which makes breathing difficult.
• Infections can cause pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs) or bronchitis (inflammation of the lungs) (inflammation of the bronchial tubes). The flu (influenza) and a cold are two of the most common respiratory infections. 
• Disease: Lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are two respiratory illnesses that affect the lungs (COPD). These disorders have the potential to impair the ability of the respiratory system to distribute oxygen throughout the body and filter out waste gases.
• Aging: As you get older, your lung capacity begins to decline.
• Breathing difficulties can result from damage to the respiratory system.

A well-functioning respiratory system

The ability to remove mucus from the lungs and airways is critical for maintaining good respiratory health.

You should do the following to keep your respiratory system healthy:

• Smoking secondhand, breathing chemicals, and breathing radon are all examples of contaminants that should be avoided (a radioactive gas that can cause cancer). If you are exposed to fumes, dust, or other sorts of pollutants for whatever reason, it is recommended that you wear a mask.
• Don’t take up smoking.
• Consume a nutritious diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as plenty of water to keep hydrated.
• Maintaining a regular exercise regimen will help to keep your lungs healthy.
• Wash your hands frequently and obtain a flu vaccine at least once a year to keep illnesses at bay.

Conclusion

The respiratory system is a network of organs and tissues that work together to allow you to take in air. It consists of your airways, lungs, and blood arteries, among other things. The respiratory system includes the muscles that power your lungs as well as the rest of your body. These organs work together to transport oxygen throughout the body and remove waste gases such as carbon dioxide from the system.

There are numerous roles performed by the respiratory system, including gas exchange, metabolism of endogenous and external chemicals, and defence against sickness and chemical harm. These functions are made possible by the anatomical characteristics of the body and the presence of many specialised cells.