Respiratory System Anatomy
Cilia
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Pharynx
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Nose Function
Air enters Hairs trap dirt and pollen
Bood Vessels (Artery and Vein) Function
Artery - Bring blood into lungs/alveoli from heart Vein - Bring blood back from lungs/alveoli to heart
Pharynx Function
Back of the throat Both mouth and nose open here
Esophagus Function
Carries food from the mouth → stomach Peristalsis starts here
Larynx (Voice Box) Function
Contains vocal cords Vibrate to speak or sing
Epiglottis Function
Cover trachea (and larynx) during swallowing Prevents choking
Lung Function
Elastic sacs full of tiny air sacs (alveoli)
Cilia Function
Hair-like structures located in the nasal passages, trachea, and bronchi that remove dust and other particles from the air Clean air
Rib/Chest Muscle Function
Skeletal/Voluntary Muscle Contracts and relaxes to allow breathing
Diaphragm Function
Smooth muscle (mostly involuntary) Contracts and relaxes to allow breathing (Changes size of chest cavity → changes pressure)
Capillaries (net) Function
Surround alveoli and exchange gases between blood and the environment
Bronchi (bronchus) Function
The tubes that carry air from the trachea into each lung Also contain cilia
Alveolus/Alveoli Function
Tiny airs acs (where the action is) Walls are 1-cell thick to exchanges gases with capillaries around them by diffusion Large surface area Make up most of your lungs
Bronchiole Function
Tiny tubes (branches) - branch and cary air all over inside the lungs
Nasal Passages Function
Tubes that are lined with mucus (moisten, clean), cilia (clean), and lots of capillaries (warm) Cleans, warms, and moistens air
Trachea Function
Windpipe Cartilage rings hold it open Lined with cilia to clean air Carries air toward lungs