A Summary Of The Respiratory System

The respiratory system is the major system of organs that facilitates the process of respiration. This system controls a gas exchange which involves the distribution of oxygen throughout the body and the removal of carbon dioxide from the body as waste. In other words, it plays a crucial role along with the circulatory system during the action of breathing and maintains a constant supply of oxygen into the bloodstream. In turn, the respiratory system provides trillions of cells with energy from oxygen and ultimately plays a role in regulating blood volume and pressure. The respiratory system consists of the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. Respiration starts when oxygen enters either the passageways of the mouth or nose, where the air is moistened and warmed to avoid irritation to other parts of the system. In the nose and other air passages, there are hair-like structures covered with mucus called cilia that filter out debris and other foreign particles …show more content…
After reaching the pharynx, air travels towards the larynx, otherwise known as the voice box, which contains the vocal cords which vibrate to produce sound. Above the larynx is the epiglottis which is a flap that can close to block food and liquid from going through the respiratory tract when a person swallows. The epiglottis covers the next part of the respiratory system, which is the windpipe or the trachea. The trachea can be distinguished by its stiff C-shaped rings of cartilage, which reinforce it to prevent it from collapsing and to keep the airways open. Much like the nasal cavities, the trachea is also lined with its own cilia, but with a substance called ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium which secretes mucus to protect the trachea from harmful matter. This mucus is removed from the body through coughing, sneezing, spitting, or even