nasal cavity nasal septum

Contains nasal septum, turbinates, and cilia. Divides nasal cavities into right and left sides.

turbinates Bones that protrude into the nasal cavity- they increase surface area for filtering dust and dirt particles by the mucous membrane. cilia Nose hairs, trap larger dirt particles.

sinuses Cavities in the skull, ducts connect them to the nasal cavity, lined with mucous membrane to warm and moisten the air. Give resonance to voice. types of sinuses Frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid. pharynx Throat. Common passageway for air and food. 5" long.

epiglottis When food is swallowed, this closes over the opening to the larnyx, preventing food from entering the lungs. larynx Voice box. Triangular chamber below pharynx. "Adam's Apple". glottis Vocal cords within the larynx. trachea Windpipe. 4.5" long. Walls are alternate bands of membrane and c-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage to keep it open. Lined with ciliated mucous membrane. Coughing and expectoration gets rid of dust-laden mucous. bronchi Similar to trachea with ciliated mucous membrane and hyaline cartilage. Lower end of trachea divides into right and left this. bronchial tubes Cartilaginous plates (instead of c-shaped rings of trachea). bronchioles Thinner walls of smooth muscle, lined with ciliated epithelium. Subdivision of bronci. At the end, alveolar duct and cluster of alveoli. alveoli Composed of single layer of epithelial tissue. Inner surfaces covered with surfactant to keep from collapsing. Each surrounded by capillaries. Oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange takes place between these and capillaries. lungs apex base Fill thoracic cavity. Tissue is porous and spongy- it floats. Upper part of lung. Lower part of lung. Larger and shorter (displaced by liver) and has three lobes. Smaller (displaced by heart) and has two lobes.

right lung left lung

pleura Thin, moist, slippery membrane that covers lungs. Double-walled sac. Space is pleural cavityfilled with pleural fluid to prevent friciton. functions of the respiratory system Respiration (external, internal, and cellular). Production of sound (vocal cords). Pulmonary venilation. Inspiration (intercostal muscles lift ribs outward, sternum rises and the diaphragm contracts and moves downward- this increases the volume of the lungs and the air rushes in). pulmonary venilation Breathing.

respiratory movement 1 inspiration and 1 expiration= 1 respiration. Normal adult= 14-20 respirations per minute. Increases with exercise, body temperature, and certain diseases. Age (newborn= 40-60 per minute). Sleep= respirations go down. Emotion can bring respirations up or down. coughing Deep breath followed by forceful expulsion of air to clean lower respiratory tract.

hiccups Spasm of diaphragm and spasmotic closure of the glottis- irritation to diaphragm or phrenic nerve. sneezing yawning Air forced through nose to clear respiratory tract. Deep prolonged breath that fills the lungs, increases oxygen within the blood.

neural factors of breathing control Respiratory center located in medulla oblongata (in the brain). Increase in CO2 and decrease in O2 in the blood will trigger respiratory center. phrenic nerve Stimulates the diaphragm. chemical factors of breathing control Depends on the levels of CO2 in the blood. Chemoreceptors in aorta and carotid arteries sensitive to the amount of blood oxygen.

Respiratory system From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia See also: Respiratory tract Respiratory system File:Caption = A complete, schematic view of the human respiratory system with their parts and functions. Latin systema respiratorium

The respiratory system is the anatomical system of an organism that introduces respiratory gases to the interior and performs gas exchange. In humans and other mammals, the anatomical features of the respiratory system include airways, lungs, and the respiratory muscles. Molecules of oxygen and carbon dioxide are passively exchanged, by diffusion, between the gaseous external environment and the blood. This exchange process occurs in the alveolar region of the lungs.[1] Other animals, such as insects, have respiratory systems with very simple anatomical features, and in amphibians even the skin plays a vital role in gas exchange. Plants also have respiratory systems but the directionality of gas exchange can be opposite to that in animals. The respiratory system in plants also includes anatomical features such as holes on the undersides of leaves known as stomata.[2] Contents [hide]

1 Comparative anatomy and physiology 1.1 Horses 1.2 Elephants 1.3 Birds 1.4 Reptiles 1.5 Amphibians 1.6 Fish 2 Anatomy in invertebrates 2.1 Insects 2.2 Mollusks 3 Physiology in mammals 3.1 Ventilation 3.1.1 Control 3.1.2 Inhalation 3.1.3 Exhalation 3.2 Gas exchange

3.3 Non-respiratory functions 3.4 Lung defense mechanisms 3.5 Metabolic and endocrine functions of the lungs 3.5.1 Vocalization 3.5.2 Temperature control 3.5.3 Coughing and sneezing 4 Development in people 4.1 Humans and mammals 5 Disease 6 Plants 7 Teamwork 8 References 9 External links

[edit] Comparative anatomy and physiology [edit] Horses

Horses are obligate nasal breathers which means that they are different from many other mammals because they do not have the option of breathing through their mouths and must take in oxygen through their noses. [edit] Elephants

The elephant is the only animal known to have no pleural space. Rather, the parietal and visceral pleura are both composed of dense connective tissue and joined to each other via loose connective tissue.[3] This lack of a pleural space, along with an unusually thick diaphragm, are thought to be evolutionary adaptations allowing the elephant to remain underwater for long periods of time while breathing through its trunk which emerges as a snorkel.[4] [edit] Birds

The respiratory system of birds differs significantly from that found in mammals, containing unique anatomical features such as air sacs. The lungs of birds also do not have the capacity to inflate as birds lack a diaphragm and a pleural cavity. Gas exchange in birds occurs between air capillaries and blood capillaries, rather than in alveoli. See Avian respiratory system for a detailed description of these and other features. [edit] Reptiles

The anatomical structure of the lungs is less complex in reptiles than in mammals, with reptiles lacking the very extensive airway tree structure found in mammalian lungs. Gas exchange in reptiles still occurs in alveoli however, reptiles do not possess a diaphragm. Thus, breathing occurs via a change in the volume of the body cavity which is controlled by contraction of intercostal muscles in all reptiles except turtles. In turtles, contraction of specific pairs of flank muscles governs inspiration or expiration.[5] [edit] Amphibians

Both the lungs and the skin serve as respiratory organs in amphibians. The skin of these animals is highly vascularized and moist, with moisture maintained via secretion of mucus from specialized cells. While the lungs are of primary importance to breathing control, the skin's unique properties aid rapid gas exchange when amphibians are submerged in oxygen-rich water.[6] [edit] Fish

In most fish respiration takes place through gills. (See also aquatic respiration.) Lungfish, however, do possess one or two lungs. The labyrinth fish have developed a special organ that allows them to take advantage of the oxygen of the air. [edit] Anatomy in invertebrates [edit] Insects

Air enters the respiratory systems of most insects through a series of external openings called spiracles. These external openings, which act as muscular valves in some insects, lead to the internal respiratory system, a densely networked array of tubes called tracheae. The scientific tracheal system within an individual is composed of interconnecting transverse and longitudinal tracheae which maintain equivalent pressure throughout the system. These tracheae branch repeatedly, eventually forming tracheoles, which are blind-ended, water-filled compartments only one micrometer in diameter.[7] It is

at this level of the tracheoles that oxygen is delivered to the cells for respiration. The trachea are waterfilled due to the permeable membrane of the surrounding tissues. During exercise, the water level retracts due to the increase in concentration of lactic acid in the muscle cells. This lowers the water potential and the water is drawn back into the cells via osmosis and air is brought closer to the muscle cells. The diffusion pathway is then reduced and gases can be transferred more easily.

Insects were once believed to exchange gases with the environment continuously by the simple diffusion of gases into the tracheal system. More recently, however, large variation in insect ventilatory patterns have been documented and insect respiration appears to be highly variable. Some small insects do demonstrate continuous respiration and may lack muscular control of the spiracles. Others, however, utilize muscular contraction of the abdomen along with coordinated spiracle contraction and relaxation to generate cyclical gas exchange patterns and to reduce water loss into the atmosphere. The most extreme form of these patterns is termed discontinuous gas exchange cycles (DGC).[8] [edit] Mollusks

Mollusks generally possess gills that allow exchange of oxygen from an aqueous environment into the circulatory system. These animals also possess a heart that pumps blood which contains hemocyaninine as its oxygen-capturing molecule. Hence, this respiratory system is similar to that of vertebrate fish. The respiratory system of gastropods can include either gills or a lung. [edit] Physiology in mammals

For more detailed descriptions see also Respiratory physiology or Respiration. [edit] Ventilation

In respiratory physiology, ventilation (or ventilation rate) is the rate at which gas enters or leaves the lung. It is categorized under the following definitions: Measurement Equation Minute ventilation lungs per minute. Description the total volume of gas entering the

tidal volume * respiratory rate[1][2]

Alveolar ventilation (tidal volume - dead space) * respiratory rate [1] the volume of gas per unit time that reaches the alveoli, the respiratory portions of the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Dead space ventilation dead space * respiratory rate[3] the volume of gas per unit time that does not reach these respiratory portions, but instead remains in the airways (trachea, bronchi, etc.). [edit] Control

Ventilation occurs under the control of the autonomic nervous system from parts of the brain stem, the medulla oblongata and the pons. This area of the brain forms the respiration regulatory center, a series of interconnected brain cells within the lower and middle brain stem which coordinate respiratory movements. The sections are the pneumotaxic center, the apneustic center, and the dorsal and ventral respiratory groups. This section is especially sensitive during infancy, and the neurons can be destroyed if the infant is dropped and/or shaken violently. The result can be death due to "shaken baby syndrome".[9] [edit] Inhalation

Inhalation is initiated by the diaphragm and supported by the external intercostal muscles. Normal resting respirations are 10 to 18 breaths per minute, with a time period of 2 seconds. During vigorous inhalation (at rates exceeding 35 breaths per minute), or in approaching respiratory failure, accessory muscles of respiration are recruited for support. These consist of sternocleidomastoid, platysma, and the scalene muscles of the neck. Pectoral muscles and latissimus dorsi are also accessory muscles.

Under normal conditions, the diaphragm is the primary driver of inhalation. When the diaphragm contracts, the ribcage expands and the contents of the abdomen are moved downward. This results in a larger thoracic volume and negative pressure (with respect to atmospheric pressure) inside the thorax. As the pressure in the chest falls, air moves into the conducting zone. Here, the air is filtered, warmed, and humidified as it flows to the lungs.

During forced inhalation, as when taking a deep breath, the external intercostal muscles and accessory muscles aid in further expanding the thoracic cavity. During inhalation the diaphragm contracts. [edit] Exhalation

Exhalation is generally a passive process; however, active or forced exhalation is achieved by the abdominal and the internal intercostal muscles. During this process air is forced or exhaled out.

The lungs have a natural elasticity: as they recoil from the stretch of inhalation, air flows back out until the pressures in the chest and the atmosphere reach equilibrium.[10]

During forced exhalation, as when blowing out a candle, expiratory muscles including the abdominal muscles and internal intercostal muscles, generate abdominal and thoracic pressure, which forces air out of the lungs. [edit] Gas exchange

The major function of the respiratory system is gas exchange between the external environment and an organism's circulatory system. In humans and other mammals, this exchange facilitates oxygenation of the blood with a concomitant removal of carbon dioxide and other gaseous metabolic wastes from the circulation. As gas exchange occurs, the acid-base balance of the body is maintained as part of homeostasis. If proper ventilation is not maintained, two opposing conditions could occur: respiratory acidosis, a life threatening condition, and respiratory alkalosis.

Upon inhalation, gas exchange occurs at the alveoli, the tiny sacs which are the basic functional component of the lungs. The alveolar walls are extremely thin (approx. 0.2 micrometres). These walls are composed of a single layer of epithelial cells (type I and type II epithelial cells) close to the pulmonary capillaries which are composed of a single layer of endothelial cells. The close proximity of these two cell types allows permeability to gases and, hence, gas exchange. This whole mechanism of gas exchange is carried by the simple phenomenon of pressure difference. When the air pressure is high inside the lungs, the air from lungs flow out. When the air pressure is low inside, then air flows into the lungs. [edit] Non-respiratory functions [edit] Lung defense mechanisms

Airway epithelial cells can secrete a variety of molecules that aid in lung defense. Secretory immunoglobulins (IgA), collectins (including Surfactant A and D), defensins and other peptides and proteases, reactive oxygen species, and reactive nitrogen species are all generated by airway epithelial cells. These secretions can act directly as antimicrobials to help keep the airway free of infection. Airway epithelial cells also secrete a variety of chemokines and cytokines that recruit the traditional immune cells and others to site of infections. [edit] Metabolic and endocrine functions of the lungs

In addition to their functions in gas exchange, the lungs have a number of metabolic functions. They manufacture surfactant for local use, as noted above. They also contain a fibrinolytic system that lyses clots in the pulmonary vessels. They release a variety of substances that enter the systemic arterial blood and they remove other substances from the systemic venous blood that reach them via the pulmonary artery. Prostaglandins are removed from the circulation, but they are also synthesized in the lungs and released into the blood when lung tissue is stretched. The lungs also activate one hormone; the physiologically inactive decapeptide angiotensin I is converted to the pressor, aldosteronestimulating octapeptide angiotensin II in the pulmonary circulation. The reaction occurs in other tissues as well, but it is particularly prominent in the lungs. Large amounts of the angiotensin-converting enzyme responsible for this activation are located on the surface of the endothelial cells of the pulmonary capillaries. The converting enzyme also inactivates bradykinin. Circulation time through the pulmonary capillaries is less than 1 s, yet 70% of the angiotensin I reaching the lungs is converted to angiotensin II in a single trip through the capillaries. Four other peptidases have been identified on the surface of the pulmonary endothelial cells. [edit] Vocalization

The movement of gas through the larynx, pharynx and mouth allows humans to speak, or phonate. Vocalization, or singing, in birds occurs via the syrinx, an organ located at the base of the trachea. The vibration of air flowing across the larynx (vocal chords), in humans, and the syrinx, in birds, results in sound. Because of this, gas movement is extremely vital for communication purposes. [edit] Temperature control

Panting in dogs and some other animals provides a means of controlling body temperature. This physiological response is used as a cooling mechanism. [edit] Coughing and sneezing

Irritation of nerves within the nasal passages or airways, can induce coughing and sneezing. These responses cause air to be expelled forcefully from the trachea or nose, respectively. In this manner, irritants caught in the mucus which lines the respiratory tract are expelled or moved to the mouth where they can be swallowed. [edit] Development in people [edit] Humans and mammals

Further information: Development of human lung

The respiratory system lies dormant in the human fetus during pregnancy. At birth, the respiratory system becomes fully functional upon exposure to air, although some lung development and growth continues throughout childhood. Pre-term birth can lead to infants with under-developed lungs. These lungs show incomplete development of the alveolar type II cells, cells that produce surfactant. The lungs of pre-term infants may not function well because the lack of surfactant leads to increased surface tension within the alveoli. Thus, many alveoli collapse such that no gas exchange can occur within some or most regions of an infant's lungs, a condition termed respiratory distress syndrome. Basic scientific experiments, carried out using cells from chicken lungs, support the potential for using steroids as a means of furthering development of type II alveolar cells.[11] In fact, once a pre-mature birth is threatened, every effort is made to delay the birth, and a series of steroid shots is frequently administered to the mother during this delay in an effort to promote lung growth.[12] [edit] Disease

Disorders of the respiratory system can be classified into four general areas:

Obstructive conditions (e.g., emphysema, bronchitis, asthma) Restrictive conditions (e.g., fibrosis, sarcoidosis, alveolar damage, pleural effusion) Vascular diseases (e.g., pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension) Infectious, environmental and other "diseases" (e.g., pneumonia, tuberculosis, asbestosis, particulate pollutants):

Coughing is of major importance, as it is the body's main method to remove dust, mucus, saliva, and other debris from the lungs. Inability to cough can lead to infection. Deep breathing exercises may help keep finer structures of the lungs clear from particulate matter, etc.

The respiratory tract is constantly exposed to microbes due to the extensive surface area, which is why the respiratory system includes many mechanisms to defend itself and prevent pathogens from entering the body.

Disorders of the respiratory system are usually treated internally by a pulmonologist and Respiratory Therapist. [edit] Plants

Plants use carbon dioxide gas in the process of photosynthesis, and exhale oxygen gas as waste. The chemical equation of photosynthesis is 6 CO2 (carbon dioxide) and 6 H2O (water) and that makes 6 O2 (oxygen) and C6H12O6 (glucose). Respiration is the opposite of that. However, plants also sometimes respire as humans do, taking in oxygen and producing carbon dioxide.

Plant respiration is limited by the process of diffusion. Plants take in carbon dioxide through holes on the undersides of their leaves known as stoma or pores. However, most plants require little air.[citation needed] Most plants have relatively few living cells outside of their surface because air (which is required for metabolic content) can penetrate only skin deep. However, most plants are not involved in highly aerobic activities, and thus have no need of these living cells. [edit] Teamwork This section may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. (Consider using more specific cleanup instructions.) Please help improve this section if you can. The talk page may contain suggestions. (December 2011)

Circulatory System

obviously it interacts with the circulatory system because the lungs are where the oxygen is picked up by the blood and then transported around the body hemoglobin molecules in the red blood cells pick up oxygen where it is abundant (the lungs) and deliver it to respiring tissues (muscles...) so it also interacts with the muscle system

Nervous System

it also interacts with the nervous system because this is what controls the breathing rate, the breathing rate needs to be changed when there is too high concentration of carbon dioxide. when the concentration of CO2 increases the chemo-receptor (chemical sensitive) cells in the wall of the carotid artery and aorta sends impulses to the respiratory center of the brain, nerve impulses are also sent to

the respiratory center from the stretch receptors in the lungs - the more the lungs inflate the more nerve impulses are sent to the respiratory center when the respiratory center receives these impulses it sends impulses to the diaphragm and intercostal muscles causing them to contract and making the breathing rate increase

Immune System

Most of the respiratory system is lined with mucous membranes which contain mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue, this tissue is part of the lymphatic system which is an essential part of the immune system because it produces immune cells (e.g. Lymphocyte which is a type of white blood cell) lymphocytes just defend the body against infections and viruses.

Parts of the Respiratory System and their Functions Tweet Published by joeldgreat | May 4, 2011 - 36 weeks 22 hours ago

You eat food to have energy. But before your body can get the energy from the food, your body has to combine that food with oxygen. Oxygen is part of the air you breathe. Breathing is a part of the respiratory process.

The nose, nasal cavity and pharynx make up the upper respiratory tract. The larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli make up the lower respiratory tract. The entire passageway to the lungs is also known as the air tub e. The lungs are the largest organs in the respiratory system. Altogether, the different parts of the respiratory system enable it to perform its function of getting oxygen into the body and ridding it of carbon dioxide. Let us now find out how each part works.

Nose and Nasal Cavity . The nose is the uppermost part of the respiratory tract. It is made up to two bones and cartilage. It forms a hollow passage that connects the nostrils and the top of the throat. This passage is called the nasal cavity . It is lined with a mucous membrane which bears tiny hairs. The

function of the nose is to filter, warm and moisten the air before it moves on to other parts of the respiratory tract. The tiny hairs trap the dust particles, bacteria and other foreign bodies that enter the nose. These hairs also induce sneezing to remove foreign bodies lodged in the nose.

Mouth and Pharynx . Face a mirror and open your mouth. Do you see the arch at the black part of your mouth? This arch leads into your pharynx, or throat . The pharynx is a passageway from the back of the mouth and nose to the upper part of the esophagus and into the voice box, or larynx. The pharynx acts like a station where the food tube and the air tube meet. Food beings swallowed is prevented from entering the air tube by a thin structure, called epiglottis , that closes the air tube. This is why you cannot breathe while you are swallowing.

Larynx and Trachea . At the lower end of the pharynx is the larynx which forms part of the air tube. It is made of cartilage. One of its functions is production of voice. It does this with the help of either one of two pairs of vocal cords. When air from the lungs passes over the stretched vocal cords, vibrations are produced. The tongue palate and lips modify the vibrations to produce speech. Another function of the larynx is to prevent choking. The elongated space between the vocal cords is called glottis . As mentioned earlier, the epiglottis folds back over the glottis when you swallow food, so the food cannot enter the trachea or air tube. The trachea, or windpipe , begins just below the larynx and ends behind the upper part of the breastbone where it divides to form two tubes. The trachea is made of elastic tissue and smooth muscle. It also has rings of elastic cartilage that keep the trachea open when the neck moves. It is lined with a mucous membrane and hair like projections called cilia . Mucus helps trap dust and bacteria in the incoming air. The cilia move the mucus upward to clear the respiratory tract.

Bronchi, Bronchioles and Alveoli . The trachea branches into two tubes-the bronchi. Each bronchus (singular of bronchi) enters the lung and branches into narrower tubes called bronchioles . The walls of the bronchi and larger bronchioles are supported by cartilage. Their walls produce mucus which is moved upward by the cilia to clear the air passage. Each bronchiole ends in balloon like air sacs called alveoli . The alveoli have thin walls which are surrounded by blood vessels. The bronchi and bronchioles form the air passage into the lungs. The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place in the alveoli. There are about 300 million alveoli in the lungs. These alveoli increase the surface area of the lungs and allow many blood vessels to collect oxygen.

The Lungs . We have two lungs. They lie in the chest cavity and are surrounded by the rib cage. Each lung is enclosed in the double membrane called the pleura . The pleurae are coated by fluid. This allows the lungs to slide freely as they expand and contract during breathing. The right lung has three lobes while the left lung has two. Each lobe has its own bronchi, bronchioles and blood vessels. The lungs are

the main organs of the respiratory system. Their function is to supply the body with oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the blood.

note: originally posted at Exposeknowledge.com under the same autho

Respiratory System Organs Sub Topics

A Brief Description of the Respiratory System Organs Description and Function of Resipartory System Organs

Introduction to the respiratory system organs:

The respiratory system is the system of the human body by which it produces energy needed for life processes.

This energy is produced by the breaking down of glucose molecules in all living cells of the human body. In simple terms, Oxygen taken in to the body through air breathed in is transported to all parts of the body, and it is used in the process of burning of food molecules (that is, breaking down of glucose molecules) at the cellular level in a series of chemical reactions. This breaking down of glucose molecules releases energy in the form of ATP, which can be utilized by the human body in order to carry out essential life processes.

A Brief Description of the Respiratory System Organs Back to Top

Thus, the following organs work in proper coordination in order to carry out the process of respiration:Air passages of the human body:-

Nose Pharynx Larynx Trachea Bronchi

The lungs, providing an interface for the respiratory gases to go in and out of the human body.

The following diagram represents the respiratory system organs. The arrows indicate the flow of air in of the human body through the respiratory system organs.

passage of air through the respiratory system

In the above diagram, the air at first enters through the nose, then flows through the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and then into the lungs through the Bronchi. In the lungs, it flows into smaller bronchioles. A detailed description of the structure and functions all of the above respiraoty system organs is given below. Description and Function of Resipartory System Organs: Back to Top The Nose

Structure:

The external part of the nose consists of two nostrils separated by a septum, made up of cartilage.

 The two nostrils open up into an internal cavity, the nasal chamber.

Hairs are present in the inner walls of the nostrils

passage of air through the respiratory system

Functions:

Air passes in through the nostrils and in to the nasal chamber

The hairs in the inner walls of the nostrils prevent dust particles and other particulate matter present in the air to enter into the nasal chambers.

The inner lining of the nasal chambers is supplied with blood vessels, so it warms up the air passing into the respiratory system organs.

It also has a lining of mucous secretion, so the air traveling inside is also moistened by it.

The mucus lining prevents bacteria and other microorganisms to go further into the human body. The Pharynx

Structure:

It is a wide cavity continuous with the nasal chambers.

 It is situated at the back of the mouth.

It leads into the trachea and the food pipe.

A entry to the trachea is protected by a flap called epiglottis.

passage of air through the respiratory system

Functions:

It is a common passage for air and food, as it leads into the trachea (for passage of air) and the food pipe (for passage of food).

It prevents entry of food into the trachea (or the wind pipe) by the functioning of the epiglottis. The Larynx

Structure:

It has a hollow cartilaginous structure located at the base of the pharynx, just at the start of the trachea.

This is the structure that rises and falls when we swallow food. One can feel it in the front part of the neck.

Its position is shown by the following diagram

passage of air through the respiratory system

It is in the shape of two ligamentous folds.

Functions:

When air is expelled forcibly out through these ligamentous folds, it produces sound.

There are a set of muscles that help control the tension in the vocal cords, and this helps in production of a range of voices. The Trachea

Structure:

This is the wind pipe. It emerges from below the Larynx.

Its walls are made up of C shaped rings of cartilage.

Functions:

This is the wind pipe through which air travels in and out of the body.

Its C shaped rings provide strength to the trachea, keep it flexible and distended permanently. The Bronchi

Structure and Function:

 The trachea divides into two tubes which enter each lungs. These are called bronchi (singularly bronchus).

Each bronchi divides into fine tubes called secondary bronchi. The secondary bronchi divide into still smaller tubes called tertiary bronchi. The tertiary bronchi further divide into smaller and finer tubes called Bronchioles. The Bronchioles are 1mm in diameter, and by subsequent division, they form clusters of very tiny air sacs called alveoli. Alveoli have walls that are one cell thick. They are very moist and provide for the diffusion of respiratory gases in and out of the blood stream. The Lungs

Structure:

The lungs are a pair of spongy organs. They are made up of thousands of air sacs.

They are roughly cone shaped.

They are covered by two membranes, the inner visceral pleura, and the outer parietal pleura. The space in between these membranes the pleural cavity is filled with a watery fluid called the pleural fluid. This provides for the lubrication and free movement for the expansion and contraction of lungs.

The lungs are lobed, and the right lung has three lobes and the left lung has two lobes. The left lung is slightly smaller than the right lung to accommodate for the heart in between.

Functions:

The lungs provide a large surface area for the diffusion of oxygen from the air into the blood stream. This is achieved via the one cell thick walls of the air sacs called alveoli. The air is filled in the alveoli on one side and the other side is in contact with the blood stream of blood vessels. Respiratory gases are able to diffuse through the one cell thick walls of the alveoli.

The following diagram illustrates the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, etc:-

passage of air through the respiratory system