REALANATOMY
e respiratory system consists of a
network of passageways that begin at the openings into the nose and mouth
and terminate in about 600 million microscopic air spaces within the substance
of the lungs. e passageways are typically divided into upper respiratory pas-
sageways and lower respiratory passageways. e upper respiratory tract consists
of the nose, the nasal cavity and associatied sinuses, and the pharynx. While
the mouth is typically included in the digestive system, it can also serve as a
passageway for air entering the respiratory system. e lower respiratory
tract consists of the larynx, trachea, and the bronchial and alveolar
tubes that form a large, branching network of passageways within the
lungs. is branching bronchial tree within each lung begins as a
large, nger-sized tube called the main or principal bronchus
and terminates in the lungs as the microscopic air sacs
called alveoli.
Like other systems that form an environmental
exchange surface with the cardiovascular system,
the respiratory system forms an extensive surface
area in contact with the capillaries. It is estimated
that the surface area of the small dead-end air
sacs inthe lungs is about the size of a tennis
court. is extensive interface is essential for
the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
between the inhaled air and the blood. If
body cells are deprived of oxygen, they can-
not function and they die as a result. So the
acquisition of oxygen through the res-
piratory passageways and its subsequent
exchange with the capillary blood is an
important function of the respiratory
system.
In addition to gas exchange, the
portion of the respiratory passageways
referred to as the larynx is responsible
for generating the sound waves that we
manipulate into voice. Internal folds in
the lining of the larynx, the vocal folds,
vibrate as air passes upward from the
lungs to produce the vibrations. For
this reason the larynx is o en referred
to as the voice box.
17 Respiratory System
Find more information
about the respiratory
system in
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