Respiratory System - Structure & Function

Describe the structure and function of the bronchiole

A bronchiole is a small tube that splits into even smaller bronchioles. It distributes air throughout the lungs. Bronchiole is latin for "small branch"

Describe the structure and function of the nasal cavity

Air enters body through the nasal cavity. Hairs filter out unwanted material.

Describe the structure and function of the alveoli

Alveoli are tiny sacs of air at the end of the smallest bronchioles. They are covered in tiny blood vessels called capillaries. Their purpose is to allow gas exchange - oxygen goes from the air into the blood, and carbon dioxide goes from the blood into the air.

Describe the structure and function of the larynx

Located just below the epiglottis, and just before the trachea, the larynx contains the vocal chords. It is also known as the "voice box".

Describe the structure and function of the brain stem

The brain stem senses the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood. If the CO2 level is high enough, it signals the diaphragm to cause breathing to happen.

Describe the structure and function of the bronchus

The bronchi are tubes that take air from the trachea into the lungs. Each bronchus splits into smaller bronchioles. One bronchus, two bronchi. Bronchus is latin for "branch".

Describe the structure and function of the diaphragm

The diaphragm is a sheet of muscle that tenses to pull air into the lungs, and relaxes to allow air back out. It receives signals from the brain stem.

Describe the structure and function of the epiglottis

The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage protecting the larynx from food or other unwanted material.

Describe the structure and function of the lung

The lungs are two large organs designed to allow gas exchange (respiration). Oxygen goes from the air to the blood to be used by cells to break down sugar for energy, and carbon dioxide (a waste product of breaking down sugar) goes from the blood into the air.

Describe the structure and function of the mouth

The mouth is a backup way for air to enter body if nose isn't working.

Describe the structure and function of the pharynx

The pharynx is a passageway between nose, mouth, and larynx

Describe the structure and function of the trachea

The tracheal is an armored tube that allows air to pass from the pharynx to the lungs.