What is the Function of the Respiratory Tract in Humans?
The upper respiratory tract is what begins the process of respiration. Oxygen from the environment enters the body through nasal cavities. Connected to the nasal cavity is the pharynx. This is responsible for connecting the mouth and the nasal cavities to the larynx. It also contains a persons tonsils, which are a type of lymphatic protective tissue. The larynx then passes the air into the glottis. It is continually held open by cartilage within it. In close proximity to the glottis are a person's vocal chords, which allow a person to speak.
The lower respiratory tract contains the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles. The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is what allows food and nutrients to pass down through the esophagus. Each lung gets it own bronchi, which helps allow air to pass into the lungs so that oxygen can be absorbed. Continuing on with eth respiratory system, the bronchi branch out and form bronchioles. When this occurs, the cartilage seen earlier disappears and is replaced by a smooth muscle. At the end of each bronchiole, alveoli are found. This is where the actual gas exchange takes place. Oxygen is absorbed into the blood and carbon dioxide is expelled back out of the body. Blood then carries this oxygen to the heart and it is sent out all throughout the body to the various tissues requiring it.
Breathing is what allows a human to take in air from his or her environment. Inspiration is the process of moving air into the body. This is caused by muscle contractions in the diaphragm, which allow air to be sucked in. Expiration is exhaling the air that was previously brought into the body. Unlike inspiration, the diaphragm muscles relax and the air escapes from the lungs.
Source:
Benitz, Bill. Lecture: Human Biology. November 9, 2009
Published by John Smith
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