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Respiration is a necessary process for living organisms that involves an exchange of gases. Humans and animals usually intake oxygen and discharge carbon dioxide during the respiration process. Lower organisms do not require a complex respiratory system. However, human beings possess a complex respiratory system for making the exchange of gases possible. In fact, respiration in humans is more complex than any other living organism on the globe. The respiratory system of humans is made of several organs and tissues that support each other. Read on to know more about respiration in humans and the involved respiratory organs.
Respiratory tract of humans
The respiratory tract in the human body consists of all organs that support respiration. Each organ in the respiratory tract has its importance which cannot be overlooked. The organs in the respiratory tract of a human body are as follows:
- Nostrils
- Pharynx
- Larynx
- Epiglottis
- Trachea
- Bronchi
- Bronchioles
- Alveoli
- Lungs
The function of each organ in the respiratory tract is pre-defined. Let us look closely at how different organs support respiration in humans.
Role of Nostrils
The nose of a human body consists of two exterior nostrils. A septum inside the nose separates the right nostril and the left nostril. Inside the nostrils, there is a nasal chamber that prevents us from pathogens. The nasal chamber consists of hair and mucus that prevents dust particles and pathogens from entering the body via the respiratory tract. The nasal chamber also extends humidity to the inhaled environmental air.
Role of Pharynx
This 5-inch-long tube connects the end of our noses to the windpipe. It is also the organ in the human body where the digestive and respiratory systems coincide. Its main function is to show the passage to the inhaled air. Passing through the pharynx, the inhaled air reaches the respiratory tract. The pharynx prevents the food particles in the human body from getting into the respiratory tract.
Role of Larynx
The larynx, also known as the voice box, is responsible for giving vocals as well as supporting the respiration process. Located around the neck, the framework of the larynx consists of two cartilaginous chords. Larynx also lays the path for the inhaled air to go further into the respiratory tract.
Role of Epiglottis
Food particles should not get into the larynx otherwise, they can cause choking and other serious problems. Epiglottis is an important respiratory organ that is located in the larynx. Epiglottis consists of a cartilaginous flap that prevents the food particles from getting into the windpipe. When we are eating, the cartilaginous flap closes to prevent the food particles from getting into the windpipe. Epiglottis also has a limited role in providing vocals.
Role of Trachea
The trachea, also known as the windpipe, starts below the larynx and goes through our neck. The trachea has an important role in respiration in humans. The inner walls of the trachea consist of cartilaginous rings that make it hard. The cartilaginous rings inside the trachea also help in expanding it whenever needed. The trachea shows a path to the inhaled air and guides it to the bronchi.
Role of Bronchi
The trachea ends by splitting into two tubes that lead the inhaled air into the pair of lungs. The tubes are called bronchi and there is a separate tube for each lung. Bronchi help the inhaled air to get into the lungs. The diffusion of oxygen into the bloodstream is supported by bronchi, as it provides the passage.
Role of Bronchioles
Part of the lower respiratory system in humans, bronchioles distribute the air into alveoli. The bronchi are further divided into secondary and tertiary bronchioles that support respiration in humans. Bronchioles are responsible for making sure that inhaled air reaches all parts of the pair of lungs.
Role of Alveoli
Respiration in humans is made possible by a network of around 300 million alveoli. Alveoli are small balloon-like structures that support respiration in humans. Even if the alveoli are the smallest passageway in the respiratory tract, it is relatively easy for oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass through them. Alveoli are elastic due to the presence of collagen and elastin. Alveoli contract and expand during the respiration process in humans. If someone asks you to name the breathing organs in the human body, don’t forget alveoli that are arranged in groups throughout the pair of lungs.
Role of Lungs
When it is asked to name the breathing organ in humans, most of us would say lungs. It is because the lungs are the primary organ for respiration in humans and many other vertebrates. Located in the thoracic cavity, the human heart is surrounded by a pair of lungs. Lungs help humans in the exchanges of gases between the respiratory tract and blood. Consisting of a total surface area of 50 – 75 square metres, lungs contract and expand while breathing the air in and out. Lungs are a spongy respiratory organ that is covered with a membrane known as the pleura.
