The Respiratory System

How do we Breathe?By: Emily McMaster

What is the Respiratory System?

• The Respiratory System is a group of tissues and different organs that allow you to breathe.

What Organs does the Respiratory System Include?

Organs: • Lungs • Trachea• Bronchial Tubes• Alveoli• Mouth • Nose

Function and Interactions

• Function: The main function is to bring in oxygen and take out carbon dioxide.

• Interactions: The Respiratory System interacts mainly with the Cardiovascular System because it provides the oxygen for the pulmonary artery to send oxygen to the heart to be pumped throughout the body. The Respiratory System also interacts with the Skeletal System because the bones help protect the lungs.

The Nose and Mouth

• Nose: This is where the Respiratory System starts. Nose hairs filter out dirt and other particles from the oxygen taken in that do not belong in the body. The nose also humidifies the trachea and the lungs so they do not dry out.

• Mouth: The mouth is just like the nose. The Respiratory System can also start here. The oxygen can enter through the mouth. The mouth filters the oxygen.

Trachea and Bronchial Tubes

• Trachea: Connects the mouth and nose to the lungs. This organ is very important because it is an airway for the lungs. Any damage done to it can be life threatening

• Bronchial Tubes: The trachea divides into two tubes called the bronchial tubes. These tubes carry the oxygen to both lungs.

The Lungs and Alveoli

• Lungs: Allows for oxygen and carbon dioxide to be exchanged. This is also known as gas exchange. Once the oxygen enters the lungs it is sent to the heart where it is pumped throughout the body.

• Alveoli: Located at the end of the bronchial tubes in lungs. Makes up the lungs and allows lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Facts

• 300 million alveoli are in a pair of human lungs.

• An average person breathes in thirteen pints of air every minute.

• An average adult breathes in 17,000 to 26,000 times in one day.

• The fastest sneeze has been recorded at 120 miles per hour.

Sources

• http://library.thinkquest.org/2935/Natures_Best/Nat_Best_Low_Level/Respiratory_page.L.html

• http://www.livescience.com/22616-respiratory-system.html

• http://www.webmd.com/search/search_results/default.aspx?query=respiratory%20system