Topic 4:
The Human
Respiratory
System
When we breathe, we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon
dioxide. The so-called exchange of gases is necessary for
metabolic activities and can be considered a chemical
process.
This respiration is carried out by a system of organs known
as the Respiratory System and the respiration in humans is
carried out by the human respiratory system.
Human Respiratory System
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL0mP3IfmHE
Main organs of the Respiratory System
• Nostrils, Nose, Nasal Cavity
• Pharynx
• Larynx( voice box), Epiglottis
• Trachea (Wind pipe)
• Bronchi
• Bronchioles
• Alveoli
• Lungs
• Rib cage/ Thoracic cavity
• Intercostal muscles
• Pleural Membrane
• Diaphragm
The respiratory tract in humans is made up of the following parts:
• External nostrils – For the intake of air.
• Nasal chamber – which is lined with hair and mucus to filter the air and
remove dust and dirt.
• Pharynx – It is a passage behind the nasal chamber and serves as the
common passageway for both air and food.
• Larynx – Also known as the soundbox as it helps in the generation of
sound and thus helps us in communicating.
• Epiglottis – It is a flap-like structure that covers the glottis and prevents
the entry of food into the windpipe.
• Trachea – It is a long tube passing through the mid-thoracic cavity, it
carries air towards the lungs. C- shaped rings of cartilage prevent the
trachea from collapsing during inhalation.
• Bronchi – The trachea divides into left and right bronchi.
• Bronchioles – Each bronchus is further divided into finer channels known
as bronchioles.
• Alveoli – The bronchioles end up into the balloon-like structures
known as the alveoli. Each alveolus is surrounded by a network of
capillaries.
• Lungs – We have a pair of lungs, which are sac-like structures and
covered by a double-layered membrane known as pleural
membranes which keeps the lungs lubricated.
• Ribcage - The ribs are the bony framework of the thoracic cavity. It
protects lungs and heart from any mechanical rear and tear.
• Intercostal muscles – These are bands of muscles between the ribs.
‘Intercostal’ means ‘between the ribs’ They are of two types, the
external and internal intercostal muscles.
• Diaphragm – This is a thick sheet of muscle. It separates your heart and
lungs from the rest of the organs.
• Pleural Membranes – There are two membranes around the lungs and
there is pleural fluid between them. This helps the lungs to remain attached
to the inside of the chest cavity.
Why is it important to breathe through nose?
• Breathing through your nose allows you to take deeper breaths – which
engages the lower lungs. When the lower lungs become active, they pump
out more oxygen to the rest of your body.
• The nose adds moisture and warmth to inhaled air for smoother entry to
the lungs.
• Breathing through the nose filters the air before it enters the body.
Allergens, bacteria, viruses, etc. are filtered out of the body. The mucus of
the airway linings collects potential contaminants where they are
destroyed by nasal enzymes before they can enter the body and cause
harm or make the body sick.
• Breathing through the nose protects an individual’s oral health. When an
individual inhales through their mouth, the gums, tongue, and oral cavity
become dried out, which causes excess acids in the mouth. This cause the
gums and teeth to decay faster.
What happens during Inhalation and Exhalation
Inhalation
• External intercostal muscles contract, internal intercostal muscles relax.
• Ribcage moves upwards and outwards.
• Diaphragm contracts pulling downwards.
• Lung volume increases, air pressure decreases, air is pushed into the lungs.
Exhalation
• External intercostal muscles relax, internal intercostal muscles contract.
• Ribcage moves downwards and inwards.
• Diaphragm relaxes moving back upwards.
• Lung volume decreases, air pressure increases, air is pushed out of the lungs.
Mechanism of Breathing in Human Beings with Simple Experiment- Balloon
Experiment
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5XGh5o9ZOU
How do lungs work? - Emma Bryce Ted talk
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NUxvJS-_0k&pbjreload=101
Explore how the respiratory organs-the nose and throat, the larynx, the
trachea, the bronchia, and the two lungs supplies oxygen to the body
https://www.britannica.com/video/143184/respiratory-system-body-
oxygen
