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In animals and plants, the respiratory system (also known as the respiratory apparatus or the ventilatory system) is a biological system made up of distinct organs and structures that allow for gas exchange. The anatomy and physiology that allows this to happen differs widely depending on the organism’s size, habitat, and evolutionary history. The respiratory surface of terrestrial animals is internalised as the lungs’ linings. Millions of microscopic air sacs termed alveoli in mammals and reptiles and atria in birds carry out gas exchange in the lungs.
The air is brought into close contact with the blood by these small air sacs, which have a robust blood supply.These air sacs interface with the outside world by a network of airways, or hollow tubes, the greatest of which is the trachea, which divides into the two major bronchi in the centre of the chest. They reach the lungs and branch into secondary and tertiary bronchi, which branch into countless smaller tubes known as bronchioles. Para bronchioles are the bronchioles found in birds. Bronchioles, also known as parabronchi, in mammals and atria in birds, open into minute alveoli. The process of breathing, which involves the muscles of respiration, is required to pump air from the environment into the alveoli or atria.
Human Respiratory System Diagram
Features of the Human Respiratory System
Humans have the following significant features in their respiratory system:
- In all living cells of the human body, energy is produced by the breakdown of glucose molecules.
- Oxygen is inhaled and transported to various parts of the body, where it is used in a series of chemical reactions at the cellular level to burn food particles (break down glucose molecules).
- The glucose molecules acquired are utilised to release energy in the form of ATP- (adenosine triphosphate)
Respiratory System Parts and Functions
Nose
Humans have outer nostrils that are separated by a cartilaginous framework known as the septum. This is the structure that separates the right and left nostrils. The body’s initial line of defence against invading viruses is provided by tiny hair follicles that cover the interior lining of the nostrils. They also add humidity to the air that is inhaled.
Larynx
The structure for the larynx is formed by two cartilaginous cords. It is located in front of the neck and is in charge of singing as well as respiration. As a result, it is often known colloquially as the voice box. When you swallow something, a flap called the epiglottis folds over the top of your windpipe, preventing food from entering your larynx.
Pharynx
The pharynx is a large hollow area that connects the nasal chambers. It serves as a common channel for both air and food. It works by keeping food particles from entering the windpipe. The epiglottis is an elastic cartilage that acts as a switch between the larynx and the oesophagus, allowing air and food to enter into the lungs and gastrointestinal tract, respectively.
Trachea
The windpipe, or trachea, rises below the larynx and descends to the neck. The trachea’s walls are made up of C-shaped cartilaginous rings that give it toughness and allow it to extend entirely. The trachea continues into the breastbone, where it divides into two bronchi, one for each lung.
Bronchi
The trachea is divided into two tubes called bronchi, each of which enters the lung separately. The bronchi are divided into secondary and tertiary bronchioles, as well as small air sacs known as alveoli. Single-celled air sacs with thin walls are known as alveoli. It makes it easier for oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules to enter and exit the bloodstream.
Lungs
In humans and other vertebrates, the lungs are the major organs of respiration. They can be located on either side of the heart in the thoracic cavity of the chest. The lungs are spongy organs with a total surface area estimated to be between 50 and 75 square metres. The primary function of the lungs is to facilitate gas exchange between the blood and the air. The right lung is larger and heavier than the left, which is surprising.
Seven General Functions of the Respiratory System
- Produce Sounds
- Move Air: The respiratory system is responsible for moving air to and from exchange surfaces of lungs
- Gas Exchange
- Protect
- Acid-Base Balance
- Regulating Blood Volume and Blood Pressure
- Olfactory
Conclusion
Our bodies’ cells require oxygen to survive. Our bodies produce carbon dioxide as cells perform their functions. The lungs and respiratory system allow oxygen from the air to enter the body while also allowing carbon dioxide from the air to leave the body.
