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Unit 5- p3 the respiratory system
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- OCR
Unit 5- p3 the respiratory system
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The respiratory systemThe respiratory system has three major parts the airway, the lungs and the muscles of respiration,
with its main function to inhale oxygen into our bodies and expelling carbon dioxide. Firstly, the air is
inhaled through the nose and mouth and then travelling through to the lungs via the pharynx, larynx
and trachea. The air is then distributed around the body into the bloodstream allowing our body to
function properly. The respiratory system is also responsible for phonation. Phonation is the creation
of sound in the respiratory tract. Whilst exhaling the air moves through the larynx and when we
speak the muscles move the arytenoid cartilages. These cartilages push vocal cords towards each
other, air passing through at the time causes sound.
The main function in summary
The respiratory which includes air passages, pulmonary vessels, the lungs and breathing muscles,
aids the body in exchange of gases between air and blood, and between the blood and the body’s
cells. Most of the organs of the respiratory system help to distribute air, but only the alveoli and
alveolar ducts are responsible for this. In addition to air distribution and gas exchange, the
respiratory system filters warms and humidifies the air you breathe, it also helps the body maintain
homeostasis which keeps a constant internal temperature.
Main components of the respiratory system
The respiratory system consists of the nasal cavity, the oral cavity, the pharynx, the larynx, the
nostril, the trachea, the right main bronchus, the left main bronchus, the right lung, the left lung, the
bronchi, and the diaphragm
The nostril, nasal and oral cavity
The first components of the respiratory system I will explain will be the nostril, and nasal and oral
cavity. Firstly, the nasal cavity is a large, air filled space behind the nose in the middle of the face. In
the respiratory system the nasal cavity functions by warming, moisturising, and filtering air that
enters the body before reaching the lungs. The nasal cavity does this to prevent dust, mould, pollen,
and other environmental contaminants from entering the body. The hairs and mucus lining of the
nasal cavity trap these environmental contaminants.
The oral cavity consists of the lips, the inside lining of the lips and cheeks, the teeth, the gums, and
two thirds of the tongue. The oral cavity has the exact same functions as the nasal cavity, and it can
be used to supplement or replace the nasal cavities functions when necessary.
The nostrils are the two holes on your nose. What are their functions in the respiratory system?
Well, there function is to draw in air. Air is drawn in via the nostrils, which enters the nasal cavity to
be filtered.
Pharynx and larynx
The pharynx and larynx are muscular tubes that act as passageways for food, liquid, and air. The
pharynx is located above the oesophagus, apart of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity. In
the respiratory system the pharynx functions by acting as a passageway for air on route to the lungs.
In respiration it mainly helps by allowing air to make its way down the respiratory tract to the lungs.
The larynx also known as the voice box, is situated at the top of the neck. The larynx is involved with
breathing and producing sound, however how does the larynx function in the respiratory system.
The larynx is apart of the respiratory tract connecting to the pharynx. In respiration the larynx plays a
vital role in the respiratory tract by allowing air to pass through it while keeping food and drink from
blocking the airway.
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