The Respiratory System

Function:

Respiration is where the body uses oxygen and releases carbon dioxide and water. The respiratory system is made up of organs that perform this task (respiration). The organs deliver oxygen to blood all throughout your body, and gets rid of carbon dioxide. All of this is done by breathing. When inhaling, oxygen is sent throughout the body, and when exhaling, carbon dioxide is let out.

Along with breathing, there is also cellular respiration. Cellular respiration cells use oxygen to release energy that is stored in "food" molecules (carbohydrates, fats, proteins), and comes out as chemical energy.

Organs:

Nose

Trachea

Pharynx

Larynx

Bronchi

Lungs

Diaphragm

More about Trachea:

The trachea connects the larynx (the vocal cords in your throat), to the lungs. The trachea sends air from the larynx to the lungs, making it like a passageway for air to travel through.

Tissues that make up the trachea:

Fibrous Tissue

Elastic Tissue

Cartilage Tissue

Muscular Tissue

Interactions with other systems:

• Interacts with the circulatory system when the oxygen from the respiratory system circulates around the body.
• Interacts with the digestive system. Digestive system breaks down food molecules for blood, and respiratory system provides blood with oxygen.

Picture above shows how air travels through your body by your respiratory system.

Diseases, Disorders & Other Problems:

• Asthma is a respiratory disorder in which a person has trouble breathing. An asthma attack can occur when something irritates the lungs, such as pollen or dust.
• Emphysema is another respiratory disorder in which the alveoli (the tiny air sacs in your lungs), has been damaged. Emphysema makes it hard to get oxygen.