The Respiratory System

The Respiratory System

The Respiratory System is the system in the body that deals with

supplying the blood with oxygen so that the blood can deliver oxygen

to all parts of the body. The respiratory system does this through

breathing.

· Why do we need to do respiration?

We all need energy to function. We get this energy from the foods we

eat. The most efficient way for cells to harvest energy stored in food

is through cellular respiration. But, you need oxygen to be able to

“unlock” the energy stored in food! The equation for respiration is

[IMAGE]Glucose + Oxygen Carbon dioxide + Water

[IMAGE]C6H12O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H2O

· How do we obtain oxygen?

First, the air is inhaled through the nostrils. This goes into the

nasal passageway which is protected by tiny hairs called cilia. The

cilia filter out any dust that enters the nose through the breathed

air. Later, the body will get rid of the dust which is stuck to the

cilia by sneezing. Air can also be taken in through the mouth. These

two openings of the airways meet at the pharynx (throat) at the back

of the nose and mouth.

[IMAGE]

At the bottom of the pharynx, this pathway divides in two, one for

food (the esophagus, which leads to the stomach) and the other, the

trachea, for air. A small flap of tissue that covers the trachea when

we swallow is called the epiglottis. This keeps food and liquid from

going into our lungs.

[IMAGE]

[IMAGE][IMAGE]The trachea extends downwards from the base of the

larynx. Some of it lies in the neck and the rest of it in the chest.

The walls of the trachea are strengthened by stiff rings of cartilage.