Respiratory system

Breathing is the mechanism that animals use to bring oxygen into their bodies
and to remove carbon dioxide. Respiration is the overall process for
producing energy in the form of ATP from the food and oxygen that an
organism acquires.
Respiratory system
Parts of the respiratory system
Nostrils- inhale oxygen and exhale CO2

Pharynx- part of the throat behind the mouth and

nasal cavity

Larynx (voice box)- area involved in breathing and

voice production

Trachea (windpipe)- cartilage lined tube that

carries air to the lungs
Bronchi- 2 tubes that branch off from the trachea carrying
air to the lungs

Bronchioles- smaller branches of the bronchi

Lungs- primary organ of respiration

Alveoli- sacs located at the ends of the bronchioles where CO2 and oxygen are
exchanged
Diaphragm- a large, sheet-like muscle that
separates the thoracic cavity and the abdominal
cavity. The diaphragm is the main muscle involved
in breathing. Contraction of the diaphragm causes
a person to breathe in.
Ailments of the Respiratory System
Asthma- disease suffered by people who are oversensitive to pollen, dust, and
pollutants. It causes difficulty breathing.

Flu/ Common cold- caused by a virus and causes sneezing, runny nose, and sore throat.

Bronchitis- inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi which causes

persistent cough

Pneumonia- lung infection caused by bacteria or virus that causes cough with mucous,
fever, and difficulty breathing

*Smoking can make many of these problems worse and cause chronic problems such
as lung cancer and emphysema