The Respiratory System

The Respiratory System is the system that enables us to breath and function. Every day we breath approximately 23,040 breaths a day. Breathing is, simply, keeps us alive. When we inhale, we breath in oxygen, and when we exhale, we breath out carbon dioxide. This process is called respiration, and I will explain more about it below.

The Four Main Parts

This system involves 4 main parts, the nose, throat, windpipe, and lungs. The air we breath is first filtered through the nose, where tiny hairs pick out any particles of dirt that might have been in the air. The nose also help to moisten the air so it makes it easier for the lungs to work with. While the air passes down toward out lungs, it has to go through the Epiglottis, which is located in the trachea. The Epiglottis is a fleshy flap that makes sure that no liquid or food gets into the lungs. The trachea then goes down farther, about 12 centimeters, until it finally reaches the lungs. The trachea then splits into two, each part going into each lung.

Inside the Lungs

Once the air reaches the lungs, it travels through tiny bronchi, that continuously branches out into smaller bronchi. This air, or oxygen, travels until it reaches the alveolus.

Inside an alveoli, there are multiple chambers. On the outside, the alveoli is covered in capillaries. Blood, not yet containing oxygen, flows through these capillaries. The oxygen from the air, just recently inhaled is absorbed into these blood cells. This causes the change in color from blue blood to red. This blood is now ready to spread throughout the rest of the body.

After this, there is still one more thing to be done. Carbon dioxide is still flowing through the capillaries, so it is then absorbed into the alveolus chamber. From there, it travels all the way back through the bronchi, into the bronchus, back through the trachea, and then finally breathed out by the nostrils. Then, the whole process starts all over again.

How to Keep the System Healthy

As you have learned above, the respiratory system is a very important system to keep healthy and in shape. Here are some great ways to do that:

Stay Hydrated:

Staying hydrated helps to keep a nice thin layer of mucus that lines your airways and lungs. If you don't stay hydrated, then the mucus will become thick and sticky, making it harder to breath.

Avoid Smoking:

Smoking things like cigarettes and pipes are probably the worst thing you can do to your lungs. It basically kills the cells inside your body, causing lung cancer.

Exercise:

Challenging your lungs helps to keep them strong, fit and functioning. Becoming more aware of your breathing rate improves it over time.

Vitamins:

Vitamins like vitamin A, C, and E also help to keep your respiratory system healthy.