Discussion 4
Respiratory System Discussion
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The respiratory system focuses on the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli and it incorporates the breathing activity to take in oxygen and take out carbon IV oxide in human beings.
The respiratory system is located in the thorax anatomically.
The respiratory system is divided into the upper and lower respiratory tract although the focus is mainly on the lower respiratory tract.
The upper respiratory tract is made up of the nose, larynx, and pharynx. The lower respiratory tract comprises the bronchi, bronchioles, alveolar duct, alveoli, and trachea.
The respiratory system has two basic structures that enable it to conduct its functions effectively. The two basic structures are the conducting portion and the respiratory portion (Paxton, n.d.).
The main function of the conducting portion is to condition the inspired air by humidifying, warming, and filtering it.
The respiratory system creates a platform for the passive exchange of gases between the blood and the atmosphere.
The respiratory system has four main layers namely; the respiratory mucosa, cartilage and/or muscle layer, submucosa, and adventitia (Paxton, n.d.).
The respiratory system may be affected by respiratory system diseases such as emphysema. The illness leads to inflation of the alveoli thus breaking their walls. That decreases respiratory function and breathlessness.
Some facts that are not well-known about the respiratory system include; people lose a lot of water through breathing, the lungs are the only body organs that can float on water, and chest movement during breathing is not a result of the air movement (Castro, 2014).
References
Castro, J. (2014, March 14). Gasp! 11 surprising facts about the respiratory system. livescience.com. https://www.livescience.com/44105-respiratory-system-surprising-facts.html
Paxton, S. (n.d.). Respiratory: The histology guide. Home: The Histology Guide. https://www.histology.leeds.ac.uk/respiratory/respiratory_disease.php#