Human Respiratory System

The human body is a tremendously complex machine. It is made up of many organ systems, which contribute to its proper functioning. No human being can live a problem free life if even a single of the body systems does not function appropriately. Each and every organ of every system in the human body is important, because the life process will work efficiently only if the organs follow an unbroken chain methodology of functioning. One such important organ system is the respiratory system. This article is full of facts about the respiratory system regarding its organs, functions and how it works. So, have a read.

Organs in the Human Respiratory System

In order to know how a machine works, we must know what are its components. In the same way, before we get to know how the human respiratory system functions, let us have look at the different organs of the respiratory system, that come together to form it. Given below are these organs that you will find in any average human respiratory system diagram.

• Nose: The nose is the first organ that begins the respiration process. We breathe air in and out through the nose. The nose has bones that act as partitions to separate the chambers. These are your nostrils. Hair in these chambers prevents dust from entering the rear cavity of the nose.
• Larynx: Though the basic function of the larynx is to produce sound, it is also an important part of the respiratory system. It protects the trachea, by preventing food from entering into it and connects it to the pharynx.
• Trachea: The trachea is known by a majority of us as the windpipe. It is the tube or pipe that connects the larynx/pharynx to the lungs. Another function of the trachea is, that it facilitates the passage of air through itself. It contains cells that produce mucus. This mucus prevents unwanted particles from wafting down into the system.
• Bronchi: In simple words, the bronchi are the passages at the end of the trachea, that send the air into the lungs. They are the left bronchus (shorter) and the right bronchus. The bronchi too have mucus producing cells.
• Lungs: The lungs are the main organs where the major part of the respiration process takes place. They carry out the purification of air and send the impure air out of the body.

How It Works

This was the basic structure of the human respiratory system. Now let us see how this system works.

• We breathe in air through our nose and this air travels through the nasal cavity, after being filtered and purified of dust and other particles.
• After the nose, the air goes through the pharynx, from where, it moves into the larynx, which is right at the entrance of the trachea.
• Then the air goes through the trachea and then into the bronchi, which are split up into two. The left bronchus further divides into two lobes and the right one divides into three lobes.
• These lobes further divide into tiny tubes and are inter connected through sacs called alveoli.
• When we inhale, the oxygen enters these alveoli, and then, through the capillaries present, it gets absorbed into the arteries.
• The impure air is absorbed into the veins and sent out in the form of carbon dioxide. This is what we call exhalation.

The process of respiration may take a while to understand, but note that even while you read this, the human respiratory system is working rapidly, to ensure that you are constantly breathing in and out. The entire process takes place within a fraction of a second and we don't even realize it. So take care of this system to prevent falling prey to diseases. Have a healthy life!