Respiratory System Functions
Are you wondering how the human respiratory system functions? This article will tell you more on the human respiratory system, its parts and functions.
The Human Respiratory System
The human respiratory system is divided into two parts, viz., the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract. The following are the organs of the upper and the lower respiratory tract.
The Upper Respiratory Tract
- Nose (nostrils) - It is the entrance of the respiratory tract.
- Pharynx - It is situated behind the mouth, and is the passage to the stomach and the lungs.
- Larynx - It is present at the top of trachea and contains vocal cords. It is also known as the voice box.
- Trachea (windpipe) - It is a tube like structure that helps in passing of air from larynx to bronchi.
- Bronchioles - These are the branches of the bronchi that conduct air into the lungs.
- Alveoli (air sacs) - Sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.
- Lungs - The two inverted-cone shaped organs present in the chest of human beings
The most important function of the respiratory system is the process of respiration. Lungs are the most important organs of the human respiratory system. There is a muscle located below the lungs known as the diaphragm which also plays an important role in the process of respiration. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts, creating a vacuum that helps in pulling air into the lungs. On the other hand, during exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes which helps in forcing the air out of the lungs. So, wondering how exactly does the respiratory system function? Let us take a look at it in detail.
Inhalation
When a person breathes air (which contains oxygen), it passes through the nasal passages containing mucus. This mucus helps in filtering out contaminants like dust, pollen and smoke. The nasal epithelium adds moisture and heat to the air. The air then passes through the larynx and enters the trachea or the windpipe. Here, it gets divided into two bronchi that connect the trachea to lungs. The bronchi further split into many smaller tubes known as bronchioles. These bronchioles end in air sacs, also known as alveoli, which contain blood capillaries. These blood capillaries carry blood which comes through veins from all other parts of the body. Here, the carbon dioxide from the blood is exchanged for the oxygen in alveoli. The blood containing oxygen then goes to the heart where it is later pumped to other parts of the body.
Exhalation
Exhalation in human beings is the process of expelling out of air containing carbon dioxide. The movement of the air while exhalation is through the bronchi, then through the airways, and then it passes out through the nose. The exhaled air is completely depleted of oxygen. Inhalation and exhalation, together, complete the process of respiration.
Vocalization
Vocalization is also one of the major respiratory system functions. Vocalization is the process which enables humans to speak and also to make sound. When the air passes through the pharynx and larynx, it makes the vocal cords in larynx to vibrate which helps in production of sound and speech in humans.
Cough Production
Irritation occurs when any foreign particle enters the nasal passages. Therefore, expelling out these foreign bodies or irritants is one of the functions of the respiratory system. These irritants are forced out of the respiratory tract through cough or sneeze.
The respiratory system is considered as one of the five major human body systems. Keeping yourself free from smoking, or getting exposed to smoke will help in preventing diseases related to the respiratory system to a great extent. I hope this information on parts and functions of the human respiratory system was helpful to you. Take care!
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