LESSON 1.

HUMAN RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

The Human Breathing System
The respiratory system consists of the set of organs and tissues
involved in the uptake of oxygen from the atmosphere and the
release of carbon dioxide generated during aerobic respiration.
This gas exchange is also called breathing or external respiration.

The respiratory system is the system in the human body that

enables us to breathe.The act of breathing includes: inhaling and
exhaling air in the body; the absorption of oxygen from the air in
order to produce energy; the discharge of carbon dioxide, which is
the byproduct of the process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zd_e9gtDExM
The Human Respiratory System is divided into two parts:

1. UPPER RESPIRATORY
TRACK

2. LOWER RESPIRATORY
TRACK
● UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACK

a) The nasal cavity is a large, air-filled space in the skull

above and behind the nose in the middle of the face. It is
a continuation of the two nostrils. As inhaled air flows
through the nasal cavity, it is warmed and humidified.
Hairs in the nose help trap larger foreign particles in the
air before they go deeper into the respiratory tract.
b) The pharynx is a tube-like structure that connects the
nasal cavity and the back of the mouth to other
structures lower in the throat including the larynx. The
pharynx has dual functions: both air and food (or other
swallowed substances) pass through it, so it is part of
both the respiratory and the digestive systems.
c) The larynx connects the pharynx and trachea and helps to
conduct air through the respiratory tract. The larynx is also
called the voice box because it contains the vocal cords,
which vibrate when air flows over them, thereby producing
sound. You can see the vocal cords in the larynx in the figure
below.
● LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACK
a) The trachea or the windpipe rises below the
larynx and moves down to the neck. The walls of
trachea comprise C-shaped cartilaginous rings
which give hardness to the trachea and maintain it
by completely expanding.
b) The bronchi are divided into secondary, tertiary, and to
bronchioles which is again further divided into small air-sacs
called the alveoli. The alveoli are minute sacs of air with thin
walls, and single-celled manner.
C) Lungs are the chief centres of the respiration in
humans and other vertebrates. They are located in the
thoracic cavity of the chest near the backbone and on
either side of the heart. They are the pair of large, spongy
organs mainly involved in the exchange of gases
between the blood and the air. Compared to the left lung,
the right lung is quite bigger and heavier.
d) Alveoli are tiny air sacs in your lungs that take up the
oxygen you breathe in and keep your body going. Also an
important part of the respiratory system whose function it is
to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules to and
from the bloodstream.
Human Respiratory System Functions;
1. Inhalation and Exhalation
2. Exchange of Gases between Lungs and Bloodstream
3. Exchange of Gases between Bloodstream and Body
Tissues
4. The vibration of the Vocal Cords
5. Olfaction or Smelling
Common Diseases and Disorders

1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is a chronic respiratory disorder caused by long-term
exposure to substances that irritate and damage the lungs.
The two main types of COPD are chronic bronchitis and
emphysema.
 2. Asthma
Asthma is a chronic disorder involving soreness and swelling of
the interior airway walls. It can be triggered by the inhalation of
particles from the air.

3. Sinusitis
Sinusitis the Inflammation of Mucous Membranes in the
Nasal Sinuses. The paranasal sinuses are hollow, air-filled
spaces in skull bones around the nasal cavities.
 4. Influenza
Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is a contagious
disease: An influenza virus can pass through the air from
one person to another.

5. Chest Trauma
The thoracic cage, or rib cage, normally protects the
lungs. Chest trauma can result in a puncture or tear in lung
tissue, however. Air escapes from the tear and builds up
between the lung and the chest wall.
Simple Ways To Improve Your Respiratory Health;

1.Stop smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.

2. Avoid indoor and outdoor air pollution.
3. Avoid exposure to people who have the flu or other
viral infections.
4. Exercise regularly.
5. Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
6. Maintain a healthy weight.
7. See your doctor for an annual physical check up