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19.1: Introduction

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    Introduction

    The respiratory system is responsible for the gas exchange of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), pulling oxygen into the body and getting rid of carbon dioxide. The main specialized organs of this process are the lungs which house clusters of sac-like structures known as alveoli. There are from 480 to 790 million alveoli which increase the efficiency of gas exchange by increasing surface area to around 118 m2 in men and 91 m2 in women. The respiratory system consists of the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, lungs, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli, along with their accessory structures. These structures are divided into the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract, with the lower portion beginning at the trachea. Functionally, the respiratory system can be divided into the conducting zone, terminating at the terminal bronchioles; then air flows into the respiratory zone, where the actual gas exchange occurs.

    Overview of respiratory anatomy. Sphenoidal sinus Nasal cavity Pharynx Alveoli Right lung Diaphragm 93.6 Frontal sinus Nasal conchae Nose Larynx Trachea Bronchus Bronchioles Left lung

    Above: Structures of the respiratory system.

    This page titled 19.1: Introduction is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Rosanna Hartline.

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