In this chapter, you will learn to: / explain the roles of the organs in the breathing system
/ understand how gases pass between the lungs and blood
/ describe how breathing takes place / test for carbon dioxide in inhaled and exhaled air / recognise how the body’s systems work together.
The respiratory system The respiratory system is the system responsible for breathing. • Breathing in is called inhalation. • Breathing out is called exhalation.
The respiratory system has two main functions: 1. To take in oxygen from the atmosphere. 2. To give out carbon dioxide and water vapour to the atmosphere.
CONCENTRATE! It is important not to confuse the respiratory system with respiration, which is the way energy is released from food. To tell the two apart, the respiratory system is often called ‘the breathing system’.
Oxygen
Carbon dioxide and water vapour
)Fig. 8.1 Inhalation and exhalation
? TEST TUBE
1. What terms are used to describe: a. breathing in b. breathing out?
2. Name the gas that is taken in from the atmosphere during breathing. 3. Name two substances that are given out to the atmosphere during breathing.