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Human Respiratory System: Respiratory Tract and External Nostrils

Respiratory Tract

The respiratory tract is made up of following parts.

Illustration: Respiratory Tract

External Nostrils

These are used for the intake of air.

Nasal Chamber

This is used to filter the air and remove dust along with dirt being lined with hair and mucus.

Pharynx

It serves as the common pathway for both air and food and is a passage behind the nasal chamber.

Larynx

  • It helps in the generation of sound and thus helps us in communicating.
  • It is also known as the Sound Box.

Epiglottis

It prevents the entry of food into the windpipe and is a flap-like structure covering the glottis.

Trachea

  • A cartilaginous tube connects the larynx to the bronchi of the lungs.
  • It passes through the mid-thoracic cavity.
  • The trachea extends from the larynx and branches into the two primary bronchi.

Bronchi

  • The airways that lead from the trachea into the lungs.
  • The tiny sacs allow for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs.

Bronchioles

  • These are the air passages inside the lungs that branch off like tree limbs from the bronchi.
  • The bronchioles deliver air to tiny sacs called alveoli where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.

Alveoli

The bronchioles end up into the balloon-like structures known as the alveoli.

Lungs

These are sac like structures being covered by a double-layered membrane known as pleura.

Illustration: Lungs

Respiratory System Functions

  • It helps in exchange of gases between the lungs and bloodstream.
  • It also helps in inhalation and exhalation.
  • It helps in exchange of gases between bloodstream and the body tissues.
  • It also helps in vibration of the vocal cords.
  • It helps in the process of creating the perception of smell (Olfaction)

FAQs

Q 1. What are the two types of respiration process in Humans?

Answer:

The two types of respiration in Humans are:

(i) External Respiration

(ii) Internal Respiration

Q 2. List the main functions of the respiratory system?

Answer:

The main functions of the respiratory system are:

(i) It helps in exchange of gases between the lungs and bloodstream.

(ii) It also helps in inhalation and exhalation.

(iii) It helps in exchange of gases between bloodstream and the body tissues.

(iv) It also helps in vibration of the vocal cords.

Q 3. What is the main difference between breathing and respiration in humans?

Answer: Breathing is the physical process whereas respiration is the chemical process.

Q 4. Why do cells need oxygen?

Answer: Cells need oxygen to release energy.