Organs of The Respiratory System
- Nose.
- Mouth.
- Larynx.
- Pharynx.
- Lungs.
- Diaphragm.
What is the most basic function of respiration? To exchange gases between the external environment and the blood - oxygen in, carbon dioxide out.
Your lungs are part of the respiratory system, a group of organs and tissues that work together to help you breathe. The respiratory system's main job is to move fresh air into your body while removing waste gases.
Diaphragm, which is a dome-shaped muscle below your lungs. It separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. The diaphragm is the main muscle used for breathing. The muscles between your ribs, called intercostal muscles, play a role in breathing during physical activity.
Your lungs bring fresh oxygen into your body. They remove the carbon dioxide and other waste gases that your body's doesn't need. To breathe in (inhale), you use the muscles of your rib cage – especially the major muscle, the diaphragm. Your diaphragm tightens and flattens, allowing you to suck air into your lungs.
The lungs are a pair of spongy, air-filled organs located on either side of the chest (thorax). The trachea (windpipe) conducts inhaled air into the lungs through its tubular branches, called bronchi. The bronchi then divide into smaller and smaller branches (bronchioles), finally becoming microscopic.
The cells in our bodies need oxygen to stay alive. Carbon dioxide is made in our bodies as cells do their jobs. The lungs and respiratory system allow oxygen in the air to be taken into the body, while also letting the body get rid of carbon dioxide in the air breathed out.
The trachea divides into two tubes (airways) that go to each lung. These tubes are called the right and left bronchus. Air passes through each bronchus into the lungs through smaller tubes called bronchioles. At the end of the bronchioles, there are tiny air sacs called alveoli.
7 ways to improve your respiratory health
- Stop smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
- Avoid indoor and outdoor air pollution.
- Avoid exposure to people who have the flu or other viral infections.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- See your doctor for an annual physical.
The upper airways or upper respiratory tract includes the nose and nasal passages, paranasal sinuses, the pharynx, and the portion of the larynx above the vocal folds (cords). The lower airways or lower respiratory tract includes the portion of the larynx below the vocal folds, trachea, bronchi and bronchioles.
The diaphragm, located below the lungs, is the major muscle of respiration. It is a large, dome-shaped muscle that contracts rhythmically and continually, and most of the time, involuntarily.
The respiratory system works directly with the circulatory system to provide oxygen to the body. Oxygen taken in from the respiratory system moves into blood vessels that then circulate oxygen-rich blood to tissues and cells.
What Are the Parts of the Respiratory System? The respiratory system includes the nose, mouth, throat, voice box, windpipe, and lungs. Air enters the respiratory system through the nose or the mouth.
The organs and tissues that comprise the human respiratory system include the nose, pharynx, trachea, and lungs.
There are three major types of respiratory structures in the vertebrates: gills, integumentary exchange areas, and lungs.
Respiratory failure is a serious condition that develops when the lungs can't get enough oxygen into the blood. Buildup of carbon dioxide can also damage the tissues and organs and further impair oxygenation of blood and, as a result, slow oxygen delivery to the tissues.