The Respiratory System and How it Works

Respiratory System

Nose Pharynx Larynx Trachea Bronch Lungs Their Function and How They Work

Respiration is the process by which cells are supplied with necessary oxygen and relieved of waste carbon dioxide. In man the process is complex and involves two body systems, the respiratory and cardiovascular.

Breathing is the process by which air flows through the lungs (inhalation) and by which waste gases exit the body (exhalation). The nose warms, moistens and filters air entering respiraory tract. Both air and food pass through the pharynx, but epigloggis prevents food from passing into the larynx. The trachea divides into two branches, one leading into each lung. The bronchi divide and subdivide like roots of a tree. The very smallest bronchial tubes end in cup-shapped air sacs, called alveoli where vital gases are exchanged. Each alveolus is richly supplied with blood vessels. Oxygen crosses the alveolar and capillary walls and enters the blood, while carbon dioxide passes from the blood to the alveolus.

The blood then carries the oxygen to the body's cells, while the carbon dioxide is released upon exhalation. Each lung is covered by a thin, moist
membrane called the pleura, which also lines the chest cavity. The two plural surfaces slide and glide past each other as the lungs expand and contract. Although they do this they have no muscle tissue. They are flexible, passive organs functioning by movent of the ribs and diaphragm. During inhalation it contracts and expands, during exhalation it relaxes and moves up and chest capacity is reduced, and air is pushed out of the body taking with it the waste gases.

RESPIRATORY DISORDERS
Common Cold | Asthma | Influenza Virus' | Pneumonia

CHRONIC LUNG DISORDERS
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)| Chronic bronchitis | Emphysema
Plurisy | Legionnaires' disease

CHILDHOOD RESPIRATORY DISEASES
Croup< | Epiglottis

*Information contained herein is intended for general information and is intented to replace your Doctor, Pharmacist or Health Care Provider*