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RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

The primary organs of the respiratory system are lungs, which


function to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide as we
breathe.
Main Parts of the Respiratory System and their Function

The Nostrils: Nostrils are involved in air intake, i.e. they bring air into the nose, where air is warmed and
humidified. The tiny hairs called cilia filters out dust and other particles present in the air and protects the nasal
passage and other regions of the respiratory tract.

Trachea: The trachea is also known as windpipe. The trachea filters the air we inhale and branches into the
bronchi.

Bronchi: The bronchi are the two air tubes that branch off of from the trachea and carry atmospheric air
directly into the lungs.

Lungs: The main organ of the respiratory system is lungs. Lungs are the site in body where oxygen is taken
into and carbon dioxide is expelled out. The red blood cells present in the blood picks up the oxygen in the
lungs and carry and distribute the oxygen to all body cells that need it. The red blood cells donate the oxygen to
the cells and picks up the carbon dioxide produced by the cells.

Alveolus: Alveolus is the tiny sac like structure present in the lungs which the gaseous exchange takes place.

Diaphragm: Breathing begins with a dome-shaped muscle located at the bottom of the lungs which is known
as diaphragm. When we breathe in the diaphragm contracts and flatten out and pull downward. Due to this
movement the space in the lungs increases and pulls air into the lungs. When we breathe out, the diaphragm
expands and reduces the amount of space for the lungs and forces air out.

Other parts :
Nasal cavity : form the main external opening for the respiratory system and are the first
section of the bodys airwaythe respiratory tract through which air moves.

Oral Cavity : is the secondary external opening for the respiratory tract. Most normal breathing
takes place through the nasal cavity, but the oral cavity can be used to supplement or replace
the nasal cavitys functions when needed.

Larynx : also known as the voice box, is a short section of the airway that connects the
laryngopharynx and the trachea.

Diaphgram : is the dome-shaped sheet of muscle and tendon that serves as the main muscle
of respiration and plays a vital role in the breathing process.

Pharynx : also known as the throat, is a muscular funnel that extends from the posterior end
of the nasal cavity to the superior end of the esophagus and larynx. The pharynx is divided into
3 regions: the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx. The nasopharynx is the superior
region of the pharynx found in the posterior of the nasal cavity. Inhaled air from the nasal cavity
passes into the nasopharynx and descends through the oropharynx, located in the posterior of
the oral cavity. Air inhaled through the oral cavity enters the pharynx at the oropharynx. The
inhaled air then descends into the laryngopharynx, where it is diverted into the opening of the
larynx by the epiglottis.

Ribs : are the long curved bones which form the rib cage. In most tetrapods, ribs surround thechest,
enabling the lungs to expand and thus facilitate breathing by expanding the chest cavity. They serve to protect
the lungs,heart, and other internal organs of the thorax. In some animals, especially snakes, ribs may provide
support and protection for the entire body.

Steps on how to keep healthy the Respiratory System

Step 1 : Exercise Regularly

Step 2 : Eat diet rich in Nutrients necessary

Step 3 : Drink plenty of water

Step 4 : Add houseplants to your room

Step 5 : Wash your hands frequently

Step 6 : Exercise in cleaner conditions

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