The respiratory system is one of the most important systems in the body. It plays a key role in keeping us alive by providing us with oxygen and removing carbon dioxide from our lungs. The respiratory system consists of the nose, mouth, throat, lungs, and diaphragm. In this blog post, we will discuss the main functions of the respiratory system.
What is the respiratory system?
A respiratory system is a group of organs and tissues that work together to help us breathe. The main function of the respiratory system is to exchange gases between the atmosphere and our body cells.
When we inhale, air passes through our nose or mouth and into our lungs.
What are the main parts of the respiratory system?
1. Nose
The nose is composed of two separate cavities called the nostrils. The lateral nares (nostril) hold air in while the medial nares (i.e., the “pinch-points”) release it out. The nasal openings are covered externally by skin, known as the nostrils. Nares serve as a means of breathing in air, and they work much like a pair of bellows.
2. Sinuses
Sinuses are hollow spaces inside bones that allow the body to rid itself of fluid and solid particles. Sinus cavities are located behind the eyes, cheekbones, cheeks, forehead, and temples. There are three types of sinuses: frontal, sphenoid, and maxillary.
Each type has various purposes and functions. Frontal sinuses provide drainage for the brain in case of head trauma. Sphenoids help maintains temperature regulation.
Maxillary sinuses act as reservoirs for mucus produced in the lungs. Mucous helps keep the throat clear, prevents infections, and lubricates foods while chewing.
3. Trachea
The trachea is the tube that carries oxygenated blood from our lungs to the rest of the body. Located at the bottom of the lungs, the trachea extends vertically down from the larynx. Air passes through the windpipe and then into the trachea where it travels to the bronchial tubes for distribution throughout the body.
4. Larynx
The larynx is located at the top end of the trachea. In humans, it consists of cartilage rings that prevent food particles and liquid from entering the airways. These rings also aid in swallowing.
The larynx serves to protect the delicate vocal cords from injury. Food enters the mouth via the oesophagus, travels through the pharynx, and then reaches the larynx for further processing. It then enters the trachea and lungs to reach the destination of the entire circulatory system.
5. Bronchi
Bronchi are tubes that carry air to the alveoli. The number of bronchi varies based on species. Humans have four pairs of bronchi; each pair connects to either the left or right lung.
The Left and right bronchi are symmetrical in their anatomy. However, the shape of the lobes differs between sides. The left lobe is larger and contains fewer alveoli than the right lobe. These are small sacs that store oxygen and carbon dioxide.
6. Alveoli
Alveoli are the tiny sacs inside the lungs that receive oxygen from the bronchi. These are filled with capillaries. Capillaries connect the air sacs to the bloodstream.
Alveolar capillaries consist of thin-walled vessels lined with endothelial cells. The endothelium is the layer of tissue that covers the interior surface of the capillaries.
7. Lungs
The lungs are a set of organs that function to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide in the circulation system. They are located above the diaphragm and below the heart. The lungs can be divided into two sections: the upper and lower portions. Each portion of the lungs has its own purpose.
The upper section of the lungs is responsible for taking in oxygen whereas the lower portion allows for expelling carbon dioxide.
What are the main functions of the Respiratory system?
The Respiratory system’s primary function is to bring fresh oxygen into the body and expel carbon dioxide. The Respiratory does this by drawing in air through the nose or mouth, which then travels down the throat and into the lungs. In the lungs, oxygen is transferred to the bloodstream and circulated throughout the body. Carbon dioxide is then exhaled out of the body.
The Respiratory also helps to regulate blood pressure and heart rate. When we breathe in, our lungs fill with air and put pressure on the surrounding blood vessels. This increase in pressure causes the heart to beat faster and pumps more blood around the body. When we breathe out, our lungs deflate and release that pressure on the blood vessels, causing the heart rate to slow down.
In addition, the Respiratory system helps to protect the body from foreign particles and harmful microorganisms. The nose and mouth are lined with tiny hairs called cilia. These cilia trap dust, dirt, and other particles that we breathe in.
The trapped particles are then moved up towards the throat where they can be swallowed or expelled through coughing or sneezing. Additionally, mucus produced in the lungs helps to keep the throat clear and prevents infections.
How do we breathe?
When we breathe in, we push down on the diaphragm muscle using the abdominal muscles. As our lungs fill with air, the diaphragm drops down and pushes out air. When we exhale, the opposite happens; the diaphragm rises while pushing down on the chest muscles causing the air to move out of the lungs. In between breaths, the diaphragmatic muscle relaxes, allowing the lung to re-inflate.
What causes respiratory problems?
Respiratory infections are a leading cause of respiratory problems. Respiratory infections are caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The common cold is a viral infection that affects the nose and throat.
Bacterial respiratory infections include pneumonia and bronchitis. Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can be deadly. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, which are the air passages that connect the lungs to the trachea. Fungal respiratory infections are rare but can occur in people with weakened immune systems.
Allergies are another common cause of respiratory problems. It occurs when the body has an adverse reaction to a foreign substance, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. It can cause a range of respiratory problems, from a runny nose and sneezing to difficulty breathing and asthma attacks.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes the airways to narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma attacks can be triggered by allergies, exercise, cold air, and respiratory infections. During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways tighten and the airways swell, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma is a serious condition that can be deadly if not treated properly.
Smoking cigarettes is one of the leading causes of respiratory problems. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including tar, carbon monoxide, and arsenic. Cigarette smoke damages the lungs and increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that make it difficult to breathe. COPD is often caused by smoking cigarettes. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are two types of COPD.
Emphysema is a lung disease that causes damage to the air sacs in the lungs. Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, which are the air passages that connect the lungs to the trachea. COPD is a serious condition that can be deadly if not treated properly.
Exposure to environmental pollutants, such as smog or dust, can also cause respiratory problems. Smog is a mixture of air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause difficulty breathing. Dust particles can also irritate the lungs and cause respiratory problems.
The Respiratory system is a vital part of our overall health and well-being. It is responsible for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide in our bodies, as well as filtering out harmful particles from the air we breathe. Respiratory diseases and conditions can affect people of all ages and treatment options vary depending on the specific condition.