The Respiratory System
~Notes~
Introduction:
The exchange of gasses between the environment and the body is carried out by the
respiratory system. It makes it easier for cells to take in oxygen, which is necessary for
metabolism, and to release carbon dioxide, which is a waste product of metabolism.
Main Components and Their Functions:
1. Nose and Nasal Cavity:
➔ Nostrils: Are the openings of the nose through which air enters the respiratory system.
➔ Nasal Cavity: contains cilia and mucous membranes that line it; it warms, moisturizes,
and filters incoming air.
➔ Olfactory Receptors: Detect odors.
2. Pharynx (Throat):
➔ Nasopharynx: Upper region, behind the nasal passage.
➔ Oropharynx: Transports food and air through the middle area, which is behind the
mouth.
➔ Laryngopharynx: Lower part, leading to the larynx and esophagus.
3. Larynx (Voice Box):
➔ Epiglottis: During swallowing, a flap keeps food from getting into the trachea.
➔ Vocal Cords: Makes noise as air flows through them.
4. Trachea (Windpipe):
➔ A tube that is kept open by cartilage rings shaped like a C.
➔ Lined to capture and remove foreign objects, with cilia and mucus.
5. Bronchi and Bronchioles:
➔ Bronchi: The trachea has two main branches that go into the lungs: the left and right.
➔ Bronchioles: Smaller bronchial branches that go towards the alveoli.
6. Lungs:
➔ Lobes: The right lung has three lobes; the left lung has two lobes.
➔ Alveoli: tiny air sacs with a capillary network surrounding them that are used for gas
exchange.
7. Diaphragm:
~Notes~
Introduction:
The exchange of gasses between the environment and the body is carried out by the
respiratory system. It makes it easier for cells to take in oxygen, which is necessary for
metabolism, and to release carbon dioxide, which is a waste product of metabolism.
Main Components and Their Functions:
1. Nose and Nasal Cavity:
➔ Nostrils: Are the openings of the nose through which air enters the respiratory system.
➔ Nasal Cavity: contains cilia and mucous membranes that line it; it warms, moisturizes,
and filters incoming air.
➔ Olfactory Receptors: Detect odors.
2. Pharynx (Throat):
➔ Nasopharynx: Upper region, behind the nasal passage.
➔ Oropharynx: Transports food and air through the middle area, which is behind the
mouth.
➔ Laryngopharynx: Lower part, leading to the larynx and esophagus.
3. Larynx (Voice Box):
➔ Epiglottis: During swallowing, a flap keeps food from getting into the trachea.
➔ Vocal Cords: Makes noise as air flows through them.
4. Trachea (Windpipe):
➔ A tube that is kept open by cartilage rings shaped like a C.
➔ Lined to capture and remove foreign objects, with cilia and mucus.
5. Bronchi and Bronchioles:
➔ Bronchi: The trachea has two main branches that go into the lungs: the left and right.
➔ Bronchioles: Smaller bronchial branches that go towards the alveoli.
6. Lungs:
➔ Lobes: The right lung has three lobes; the left lung has two lobes.
➔ Alveoli: tiny air sacs with a capillary network surrounding them that are used for gas
exchange.
7. Diaphragm:
