Systema respiratorium

Systema Respiratorium or the Respiratory System is a biological system consisting of specific organs and structures used for gas exchange in animals and plants. The primary function of the respiratory system is to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide through a process called respiration.

Anatomy

The human respiratory system is made up of the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. It also includes the diaphragm, a muscle that plays a significant role in breathing.

Nose and Nasal Cavity

The nose and the nasal cavity form the main external opening for the respiratory system and are the first section of the body's airway—the respiratory tract through which air moves.

Pharynx

The pharynx is a part of the conducting zone of the respiratory system which conducts air from the nasal cavities to the larynx.

Larynx

The larynx, also known as the voice box, is a short section of the airway that connects the laryngopharynx and the trachea.

Trachea

The trachea, also known as the windpipe, filters the air that we breathe in and branches into the bronchi.

Bronchi

The bronchi are the main passageway into the lungs which then divides into smaller bronchi.

Lungs

The lungs are a pair of respiratory organs where gases are exchanged between the blood and the atmosphere.

Physiology

The process of respiration involves several physiological functions such as pulmonary ventilation, external respiration, transport of gases, and internal respiration.

Diseases

Diseases of the respiratory system may affect any of its parts and can include conditions like asthma, pneumonia, tuberculosis, emphysema, and lung cancer.

See Also

• Respiratory tract
• Respiratory therapy
• Pulmonology