The Respiratory System

In this discussion post we are to describe the structures and functions of the respiratory system. We were asked to include major organs and how they work within the body and to notate symptoms of failure within the respiratory system.

In order for the cells of the body to work correctly they require a constant stream of oxygen in order to stay alive. The respiratory system provides the cells with oxygen while simultaneously removing carbon dioxide. The three parts of the respiratory system: the airway, the lungs, and the muscles of respiration.

The airway includes the nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles. It carries air between the lungs and the outside elements that surround the body. The lungs are the functional units of the respiratory system and they act as such. They pass oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide from the body. Then there are the muscles of respiration. These muscles include the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. They work simultaneously as a pump, pushing air into and out of the lungs during breathing.

There are five main functions of the respiratory system. They are: pulmonary ventilation - During this process the air is inhaled through the nasal and/or oral cavities. It

They are oxygen and carbon dioxide, and they are transported throughout the body in the blood. Plasma has the capability to transport some of the dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide, but the majority of the gases that are transported in the blood are bound to transport molecules. However, when the partial pressure of carbon dioxide is higher in the tissues, the enzymes catalyzes a reaction between the carbon dioxide and the water to form carbonic acid. Carbonic acid will then dissociate into hydrogen ion and bicarbonate ion. When the partial pressure of carbon dioxide is low in the lungs, the reactions reverse and carbon dioxide is freed into the lungs to be