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In this article, we would discuss the respiratory system.
The Respiratory System
1. The respiratory system is divided into two parts: upper respiratory tract and lower respiratory tract.
2. Upper respiratory tract consists of nostrils, nasal cavities, pharynx, epiglottis and larynx.
3. Lower respiratory tract consists of trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and lungs.
4. Nostrils and nasal cavities are lined by cilia (hair-like structures) and mucus that filter and moisten the air before it enters the respiratory system.
5. Pharynx: Also known as the throat, pharynx is a short muscular tube that serves both the digestive system (by allowing passage of food) and the respiratory system (by allowing passage of air).
6. Epiglottis: It is an elastic cartilaginous structure that covers the larynx (voice box). Its function is to cover/protect the windpipe from food/liquid entering the lower respiratory tract.
7. Larynx: Popularly known as the voice box, it is made of nine pieces of cartilage joined by ligaments. It connects the pharynx to the trachea and consists of vocal cords that are responsible to produce sound.
8. Trachea: Also known as the windpipe, the trachea connects the upper respiratory system to the lungs. It is made up of muscles and elastic fibres supported by cartilaginous rings (prevent the structure from collapsing). The trachea is further divided into two bronchi.
8. Lungs: They are a pair of organs present in the chest region on the either side of the heart. Pleura, a membranous sac protects and surrounds each lung. Pleural fluid circulating between lungs avoids friction and enables smooth functioning. Lungs are further divided into lobes. The right lung has three lobes and the left has two, left being smaller to provide room for the heart. The two bronchi that are shaped like tubes, carry air to each lung during respiration. These bronchi split further into smaller units called bronchioles that lead to alveolar ducts.
9. Alveolar ducts lead to alveolar sacs where the actual exchange of gases takes place.
10. Diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. During inhalation, diaphragm contracts to allow the chest cavity to expand and lungs to be filled with air.
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