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Human Respiratory System |
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All animals on Earth in order to survive respire. In Humans the process of respiration is a complex process involving continuous gas exchange. Gas exchange supports cellular respiration by constantly supplying oxygen and removing carbon dioxide. The oxygen we require is supplemented by the earth's atmosphere which amounts to nearly 21% of earth's oxygen. This oxygen in the atmosphere is exchanged in the body via the respiratory surface. In humans the alveoli present in the lungs serve the purpose of gas exchange. The Human Respiratory System supports gas Exchange in the following forms:
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Breathing: Breathing consists of 2 phases. The first being Inspiration (inhaling) and the second known as Expiration(exhaling). During the process if Inspiration the diaphragm along with the external inter costal muscles contract, with the lifting up and down of the ribs. The diaphragm also contracts. During Expiration the processes of inspiration are reversed and the natural elasticity of the lungs return to their normal volume.
External Respiration: When we breathe, air passes in through the nostrils, nasal passage into the pharynx, larynx, down the trachea into one of the main bronchi, then into smaller broncial tubules, into one of the main bronchi and then reaches the smaller broncial tubules, smaller broncioles and enters a microscopic air sac known as alveolus. It is here in the alveolus hat External Respiration occurs. It is simply the process of exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air and the blood in the lungs.
Gas Transport: Gas transport is an intricate process involving transport of oxygen with the help of haemoglobin present in the blood. Haemoglobin is a respiratory pigment made up of an iron containing substance known as porphyrin, heam combined with protein molecules known as globin.
Internal Respiration: The body tissues require oxygen and needs to get rid away with carbon dioxide. The blood circulated within our body exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide with the body's tissues. In simple words Internal respiration is the process of exchange of gases between the blood in the capillaries and the body's cells.
Cellular Respiration: Cellular Respiration is a complex biochemical process. In simple words Cellular Respiration involves a series of metabolic processes by which living cells produce energy by the oxidation of organic substances.
The general pathway of Human Respiratory System is as follows:
- Air enters the nostrils
- Then to the nasopharynx
- The oral pharynx
- Through the glottis
- Into the trachea
- Into the right and left bronchi which further branches and re branches into
- Bronchioles, each of which ends in a cluster of alveoli.
Some important informations related to the Human Respiratory System:
- The sinuses (frontal, maxillary and sphenoidal) are hollow spaces in the bones of the head. There are certain small openings that connect them to the nose.
- The nose (nasal cavity) is the main entrance for the outside air to be let into the Human Respiratory System.
- The mouth (oral cavity) also serves as a possible opening for the air to pass in specially for people who have a temporary nasal block or have the habit of inhaling air orally.
- The diaphragm is strong wall of muscle. It separates the chest cavity from that of the abdominal cavity. The diaphragm when moves down wards create a suction in the chest that results in the drawing up of air and expansion of the lungs.
For more information on Human Respiratory System log on to the site medicalzing.com
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