The Respiratory
System
Grace, William, Iris, Miles
Period 1
Main function
The main function of the respiratory system is gas exchange
In order for us to get air, we take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. The
lungs are the main organ used to carry out this exchange as we breathe. Red
Blood Cells collect the oxygen and take it to where it is needed.
Fun Fact: After about four minutes without oxygen, brain cells begin to die,
which can lead to brain damage and ultimately death.
Respiratory Organs
The Lungs take in oxygen and
expel carbon dioxide
The Airway Brings
Oxygen To The Lungs
The Diaphragm contracts to
expand the chest cavity,
allowing the lungs to take in air
Maintaining Homeostasis
Gas exchange (replacing carbon dioxide with oxygen)
Regulates intake of air
Expels carbon dioxide from the blood
Helps maintain consistent blood pH by regulating carbon dioxide levels
Working With Other Systems
Skeletal System
Provides structure for airway
Laryngeal skeleton (cartilage in throat) act as vocal chords
Muscular System
Pushes air in and out of the lungs using mainly the diaphragm
Digestive System
Provides energy for muscles in respiratory system
Immune System
Protects respiratory system from foreign particles
Working with the Circulatory System
The diaphragm is located
underneath the heart
When air enters the lungs it flows
into the alveoli (air sacs in
lungs) and passes into
surrounding blood vessels
Oxygenates red blood cells
(hemoglobin)
The oxygen travels towards the
heart, where it will get
pumped into other parts of
the body as needed
The Breathing Process
Inhalation
Diaphragm contracts, moving downward
Chest cavity and lungs expand
Air travels through the windpipe into lungs
Exhalation
Diaphragm relaxes, moving upward
Chest cavity contracts
Carbon dioxide rich air is expelled from lungs
Diseases - Asthma
Air enters the respiratory system from the nose and the mouth and travels
through the bronchial tubes. A lot of things can cause asthma: pollen,
exercise, cold air, and respiratory infections.
In a person without asthma,
ubes.
the muscles around the tube
are relaxed making airflow
easy.
In a person with asthma, the
muscles tighten, so the tube
becomes inflamed, which
makes breathing difficult.
Diseases - Lung Cancer
A cancerous tumor grows in the
lungs
Symptoms: Chronic dry cough
with blood, weakness or
fatigue, pain in the chest and
ribs, frequent respiratory
infections.
If left untreated it will lead to
death
Has occurred in all ages but more
common in 40-60+