The Respiratory System
The Parts of Respiratory System
DiaphragmThe diaphragm is the main muscle in the respiratory system. It also divides the chest from the abdomen. When the diaphragm contracts air is forced into the lungs and as the diaphragm relaxes the lungs are squeezed forcing air out.
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TracheaThe trachea is commonly known as the windpipe. The trachea is a tube about 4 inches long and less than an inch in diameter. The trachea starts at the voice box divides in to two parts called bronchi; each bronchi goes to a lung. The tracheas main job is to transport air to and from the lungs.
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AlveoliAlveoli are tiny sacs in our lungs that allow the transfer which oxygen and carbon dioxide move between the lungs and bloodstream.
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LungsThe lungs are a pair of soft spongy organs located in the chest. The lung's main purpose is to get rid of carbon dioxide from the bloodstream and to add oxygen back in its place.
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The seven steps of breathing
Step 1The diaphragm contracts causing air to go though the nasal cavity where it is moistened, filtered, and warmed.
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Step 2Air goes down the throat and past the epiglottis which directs food down the esophagus or air down the Trachea.
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Step 3Next the air goes down the trachea until it comes to the bronchi which splits and goes left and right.
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Step 4The tubes that bring the air to the lungs get smaller and smaller these smaller tubes are called bronchioles
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Step 5At the end of the Bronchioles there are little sacs called alveoli. Oxygen is transferred from the alveoli into the red blood cells that are in the capillaries which surround the alveoli.
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Step 6At the same time carbon dioxide is transferred to the alveoli.
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Step 7
The carbon dioxide is breathed out as the diaphragm relaxes up.
How it Connects
The Respiratory System works with the Circulatory System by bringing oxygen to the cells and getting rid of carbon dioxide.