Physiology of Systems
Marianne Connelly
Respiratory System
The primary function of the Respiratory System is to supply the blood with oxygen in order for the blood to deliver oxygen to all parts of the body. The respiratory system does this through breathing. When we breathe we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. This exchange of gases is the respiratory system's means of getting oxygen.
Respiration is achieved through the mouth, nose, trachea, lungs and diaphragm. Oxygen enters the respiratory system through the mouth and the nose. The oxygen then passes the larynx and the trachea which is a tube that enters the chest. In the chest cavity, the trachea splits into two smaller tubes called the bronchi. Each bronchus divides again forming the bronchial tubes. The bronchial tubes lead directly into the lungs where they divide into many smaller tubes which connect to the sacs called the alveoli. These are air-filled sacs that are surrounded by capillaries. The inhaled oxygen passes into the alveoli and then diffuses through the capillaries into the arterial blood. The waste-rich blood from the veins releases its carbon dioxide into the alveoli. The carbon dioxide follows the same path out of the lungs when you exhale.
Marianne Connelly
Respiratory System
The primary function of the Respiratory System is to supply the blood with oxygen in order for the blood to deliver oxygen to all parts of the body. The respiratory system does this through breathing. When we breathe we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. This exchange of gases is the respiratory system's means of getting oxygen.
Respiration is achieved through the mouth, nose, trachea, lungs and diaphragm. Oxygen enters the respiratory system through the mouth and the nose. The oxygen then passes the larynx and the trachea which is a tube that enters the chest. In the chest cavity, the trachea splits into two smaller tubes called the bronchi. Each bronchus divides again forming the bronchial tubes. The bronchial tubes lead directly into the lungs where they divide into many smaller tubes which connect to the sacs called the alveoli. These are air-filled sacs that are surrounded by capillaries. The inhaled oxygen passes into the alveoli and then diffuses through the capillaries into the arterial blood. The waste-rich blood from the veins releases its carbon dioxide into the alveoli. The carbon dioxide follows the same path out of the lungs when you exhale.
