7.

2 RESPIRATORY
STRUCTURES &
BREATHING MECHANISMS
IN HUMANS AND
ANIMALS
Respiratory structures &
adaptations
Respiratory structure:
The way the different parts
of a respiratory system are
organized or arranged
Respiratory structures &
adaptations
Respiratory surface:
Actual exchange of respiratory gases
takes place
Consist of a thin & moist membrane
where O2 diffuses into the body & CO2
diffuse out
 Common characteristics of the respiratory
surface:
1. A large surface area to maximized exchange
of gases
2. A moist respiratory surface for gases to
dissolve in first before diffusing across the
respiratory surface
3. A thin respiratory surface for effective diffusion
of gases
4. A network of blood capillaries beneath the
respiratory surface (except for protozoa &
insects)
Breathing
Isto maximise the process of gaseous
exchange
Involves pumping movements to ventilate
respiratory surface
Does not take place in simpler, smaller,
organisms
RESPIRATORY
STRUCTURE OF
PROTOZOA
Respiratory structure of
protozoa
no specific
CO2
respiratory O2
structure
Has high surface
area : volume ratio
makes diffusion
very efficient
No breathing
mechanism
RESPIRATORY
STRUCTURE OF
AMPHIBIANS
Anamphibian exchanges
gases in 3 ways:
1. Cutaneous respiration
2. Buccal respiration
3. Pulmonary respiration
Cutaneous Respiration
Buccal Respiration
Pulmonary Respiration
RESPIRATORY
STRUCTURE OF
INSECTS
RESPIRATORY
STRUCTURE OF
FISH
RESPIRATORY
STRUCTURE OF
HUMANS
 Consist of:

1. Nose and nasal

cavity
2. Pharynx
3. Larynx
4. Trachea
5. Bronchi &
bronchioles
6. Lungs left &
right
Trachea
Strengthen by
C-shaped
cartilage rings
which provide
structure &
keep trachea
open
 External intercostal muscle
Pull the ribs together, raising the rib cage
during inspiration
Internal intercostal muscle
Lower the rib cage during expiration
Mechanism of respiration
Consist of:
Inhalation
Exhalation