The Respiratory System

The Respiratory System

• Respiration

 

The respiratory system allows intake of oxygen to, and removal of carbon dioxide from the body via the lungs
The intake of oxygen and expulsion of carbon dioxide is known as gaseous exchange
Air is taken in through the mouth. It passes through the pharynx and larynx to the trachea
The trachea is kept open by rings of cartilage
The trachea splits into two bronchi that lead into each lung. The bronchi split into bronchioles which eventually end in air sacs called alveoli

• Alveoli are surrounded by capillaries. Gaseous exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen take place in the alveoli when CO2 pass from the capillaries to the alveoli and O2 passes from the alveoli to the capillaries.


• The lungs are protected by the rib cage. The diaphragm lies below the lungs and moves downwards to allow the lungs to expand when an animal inhales air