Human Respiratory System
The drive to breathe is involuntary and generally automatic, although one can change breathing patterns, and they change when we sleep or are doing different activities. The lungs and respiratory system function to move air 24/7/365 because the body cannot 'store' oxygen that it needs for cellular respiration and energy production. Thus air is constantly flowing in and out of the lungs (Healthline Editorial Team).
Respiration, in terms of human physiology, has more than one definition: it includes cellular respiration, a process ongoing within the mitochondria, where glucose is broken down to ultimately produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), providing energy to the body. As well, the body is capable of brief periods of internal anaerobic respiration, which produces lactate in muscles for example. However, the focus of this report is on respiration as the process through which air moves into and out of the lungs, in processes of inhalation and exhalation. Respiration using the physiological respiratory system is a process whereby gases are transferred from the lungs to the blood vessels and from the blood vessels to the lungs; with blood vessels carrying the gases to the various bodily tissues (The Respiratory System).
The majority of the respiratory system functions for intake and outtake of air, particularly oxygen and carbon dioxide; the smaller alveoli and alveolar conduits are the locales where gases are exchanged. As well as functioning for air intake exchange, the respiratory framework directs, warms, and humidifies the air. Organs in the respiratory framework also function in smell and speech. The respiratory framework is also involved in physiological homeostasis of the internal environment of the body; indeed it can be argued that the respiratory system is one of the most important for the body's proper functioning (Healthline Editorial Team).
The respiratory system includes the following: left and right lungs, both within the thoracic cavity; the right lung has three lobes whereas the left lung has only two lobes, and is partially compressed because the heart is on the left side of the body. Air enters and exits the lungs through a diverse system of upper airways. The respiratory system also involves the diaphragm as well as being supported by muscles and bones making up the thoracic cavity (DiGiovanna).
The remaining portion of this paper focuses on the human respiratory system and addresses illnesses that influence the respiratory system and affect our well-being. Lastly, some preventive measures are given.
The anatomy of the human respiratory system
The respiratory framework includes the respiratory tract, the pulmonary circulation, other components including the central nervous system (CSN), and the chest wall. The entire framework of the respiratory system is housed in the thorax, head, and neck. The upper respiratory tract is found in the head and neck, while the lower respiratory tract is found as the trachea through the lungs (Person and Mintz). The anatomy of the respiratory tract includes the following: the naso-oropharynx, the alveoli, the respiratory bronchioles, and the directing airways. As well, the lungs can considered as directing airways and respiratory units. The trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles bring in and transport air from the outside world and convey it to the alveoli, which are the respiratory units. Gas exchange is the process occurring at the level of the alveoli, delivering oxygen to the blood to be transported throughout the body to the cells for normal cellular functions (Person and Mintz).
Air enters through the nose and/or mouth and then moves through the pharynx and larynx and trachea into the lungs. In the lungs the air moves into primary bronchi, bronchioles, and then the alveoli/respiratory membrane. These organs can likewise be subdivided into: upper respiratory tract where [nose-pharynx-larynx], and the lower respiratory tract [thoracic respiratory organs].
Nose
Air in the nasal cavity enters through the nose's two nares (nostrils). On the superior side you have the nasal bones, and the plates of hyaline ligaments sit toward the end of the nose and are in charge of shaping the nose.
Nasal Cavity
A division of the nasal entrances into left and right sides is accomplished by the nasal septum. The septum is framed by an inferior vomer bone, a superior ethmoid bone, and a septal cartilage that sits anteriorly. Inside the nose, the sticky mucous membrane that lines the nasal cavities serves to traps dust particles. Then small hairs called cilia help move the dust to the nose to be removed; these also function to prevent debris from entering the respiratory system (Healthline Editorial)
Methylxanthines Yet another type of medication used to improve respiratory function is Methylxanthines. Some examples of these include Theophylline. These types of agents work similarly to bronchodilators which open the airway passage, in part by relaxing the bronchial or smooth muscles in the air passage ways. They also help promote greater circulation and engage the central nervous system so it can more actively work to provide oxygen throughout the body. Because
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