The primary function of the respiratory system is to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the blood and to resupply the blood with oxygen (O2).

When we breathe-in (inhale), we intake a fresh supply of oxygen and when we exhale, we breathe-out carbon dioxide.

The Respiratory System and Gas Exchange:

During the course of the cellular respiration, oxygen is consumed and carbon dioxide gas is generated. A steady supply of oxygen is therefore needed for sustained cellular metabolism. The carbon dioxide gas generated as a result of the above process must also be promptly removed from the cell. Therefore, it is essential to have an exchange of gases at the cell boundries where Carbon dioxide being the outbound gas, and Oxygen being the gas that enters the cells.

Working of the Human Respiratory System:

There are several organs that participate in respiration: the mouth, the nose, trachea, lungs, and the diaphragm. When we breathe-in fresh air through the mouth and the nose, most particles (dust, allergens, bacteria, etc.) in the incoming air are filtered out and the Oxygen-rich fresh air enters our respiratory system. The air (oxygen) then passes through the larynx, the trachea, the bronchial tubes, and the lungs. The air passing through the airway (bronchial tubes) then enters numerous smaller tubes which eventually bring the inhaled air into the many millions of tiny air-sacs called alveoli- each of which is serviced by a set of tiny blood vessels called capillaries. It is inside the air-sacks (alveoli) that the inhaled oxygen molecules diffuse through the capillaries, thereby entering into the arterial blood stream and replenishing the arterial blood-oxygen level. Simultenously, the carbon-dioxide molecules from the "impure" blood (from the pulmonary veins) are released back into the alveoli. The carbon dioxide so released into the millions of alveoli gets exhaled into the air when we breathe-out.

Respiratory Systems Diagrams, Pictures:

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Respiration System Rate Control / Breathing Control:

Diaphragm Muscular contraction and relaxation controls the rate of expansion and contraction of the lungs. The diaphragm muscles are fired by phrenic nerves. Our respiratory systems are equipped with a dual control system: an automatic breathing control system and a voluntary response system. The automatic breathing control allows us to breathe normally even while we sleep -except for those suffering from a respratory systems disorder such as neurogenic or obstructive sleep apnea.

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