The Respiratory System
Functions
In order for us to live, our cells need oxygen, and they need to be rid of carbon dioxide. The Respiratory System does just that, by inhaling oxygen that is then transported to the cells, and exhaling the carbon dioxide that is exchanged for the oxygen by blood.
The Main Parts
The Respiratory system consists mainly of the nose, mouth, trachea, bronchi, diaphragm, and lungs, which all have a crucial role in making sure that your body constantly has the oxygen it needs and is ridden of the carbon dioxide that is their waste.
Working With Other Body Systems
In order to keep the body healthy and functioning, the Respiratory System and other body systems have to work together to fulfill its needs. Two of the many systems the Respiratory System works with is the Circulatory and the Excretory Systems. The blood from the Circulatory System provides the method of transport for the oxygen and carbon dioxide. The kidneys of the Excretory System works with the lungs to rid the cells of their wastes.
Medical Conditions
One of the many Medical Disorders found in the Respiratory System is COPD, which is the intersection of three related conditions; chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma and emphysema. It is a progressive disease that makes it very difficult for you to breath.
Another medical condition is Asthma, which is a chronic inflammation of the lung airways that causes coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath. These signs and symptoms normally is worse when a person is exposed to their triggers, which can include air pollution, tobacco smoke, factory fumes, infections, pollens, cold air, exercise, chemicals, and medications.
Lung cancer is also a medical condition in the Respiratory System, and is often associated with smoking, but the disease can affect non-smokers as well. Every year, about 16,000 to 24,000 Americans die of lung cancer, even if they have never smoked. Just like all cancers, lung cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.
Another medical condition is Asthma, which is a chronic inflammation of the lung airways that causes coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath. These signs and symptoms normally is worse when a person is exposed to their triggers, which can include air pollution, tobacco smoke, factory fumes, infections, pollens, cold air, exercise, chemicals, and medications.
Lung cancer is also a medical condition in the Respiratory System, and is often associated with smoking, but the disease can affect non-smokers as well. Every year, about 16,000 to 24,000 Americans die of lung cancer, even if they have never smoked. Just like all cancers, lung cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.
Fun Facts
Lungs are the only organs with the ability to float in water. The air that fills them when you breathe give them the ability to do that. In fact, medical examiners used to use the 'lung float test' to determine if a baby was stillborn and it was accurate 98% of the time. If the lungs floated, the baby was alive, and if they didn't, it was dead.
Some people can hold their breaths for longer than 20 minutes. Most people can only hold their for a minute, but free divers use techniques to help them hold it longer. The current record for holding their breath is 22 minutes!
Horses can only breathe through their nose. Most mammals have the ability to breathe through both their nose and mouth, but horses are an exception.
Some people can hold their breaths for longer than 20 minutes. Most people can only hold their for a minute, but free divers use techniques to help them hold it longer. The current record for holding their breath is 22 minutes!
Horses can only breathe through their nose. Most mammals have the ability to breathe through both their nose and mouth, but horses are an exception.