Identify and explain the roles of the organs of the respiratory system. Explore the health of the human respiratory system.
Our respiratory system allows us to breathe so gases can be exchanged with the atmosphere.
It is important not to confuse the respiratory system with respiration. So that we can tell the two apart, the respiratory system is often called the breathing system.
Oxygen z Fig. 8.4.1
Breathing allows us to exchange gases with the atmosphere
Carbon dioxide
Water
The respiratory system has three main roles: 1. To take in oxygen from the atmosphere. 2. To give out carbon dioxide and water into the atmosphere. 3. To make sounds, such as speech.
The Parts of the Respiratory System The respiratory system is made up of a number of special organs:
1. Mouth and nose zz
z z z z Air enters the respiratory system through either the mouth or nose.
Air entering through the nose is warmed, moistened, cleaned and spread thinly over a very wide area.
The hairs and mucus in the nose remove dust and microorganisms that may enter with air.
2. Pharynx z z
zz
3. Larynx zz
138 138 This is commonly known as the throat. It is the common opening for the respiratory and digestive systems. This is more commonly known as the voice box, as it plays a role in speech.
