Respiratory System: Anatomy of the Body’s Breathing Organ

Breathing - it is something we often take for granted. Yet behind every inhale and exhale, there is a complex system working tirelessly to keep us alive, and that system is called the respiratory system. 

In this blog, we will be taking you through the respiratory system, what the function of the respiratory system is, its parts and everything in detail. Stay connected.

What is Respiratory System?

The respiratory system is a group of organs and tissues that work together to help in breathing. It includes the lungs, nose, mouth, airways, voice box and throat. The respiratory system works like an oiled machine. This machine actually helps in the exchange of gases between the air and blood and between the blood and cells in the body. Thus,  the respiratory system filters, warms, and humidifies the air we breathe.

Various Parts of Respiratory System

The respiratory system can be categorised into two types:

Upper Respiratory Tract 

The upper respiratory tract helps to bring the body in the air and to the lungs. It is located outside the chest cavity and adds moisture to the air we breathe. It is composed of:

• Nose - For the intake of air.
• Nasal cavity - Filters the air from dirt and dust.
• Sinuses - Air-filled spaces that make the skull lighter.
• Mouth - helps to exhale CO2.
• Throat (pharynx) - Common passageway for air and food.
• Voice box (larynx) - known as the sound box.

Lower Respiratory Tract

The lower respiratory tract helps to transport air from the upper respiratory tract to small sacs in the lungs called alveoli. It is located inside the chest cavity and composed of:

• Windpipe (trachea) - A long tube passing through the mid-thoracic cavity.
• Diaphragm - Main respiratory muscle that relaxes and contracts to allow air into the lungs.
• Lungs - Provides oxygen to capillaries and helps in exhaling carbon dioxide.
• Bronchial tubes/bronchi - The trachea divides into left and right bronchi.
• Bronchioles - The bronchus is further divided into finer channels known as bronchioles.
• Air sacs (alveoli) - Balloon-like structures where bronchioles terminate.

What is the Function of the Respiratory System?

If you are wondering about respiratory systems and curious to know what the function of the respiratory system is. Keep reading further.

Inhalation 

One of the main functions of the respiratory system includes inhalation of air. The air is inhaled through the nose or mouth and travels down with the help of windpipe(also known as trachea) and then it is transferred to the lungs with the help of small tubes  called bronchi. During inhalation, the diaphragm pulls downward and allows air into the lungs.

Exchange of Gases

Another important function of the respiratory system is the exchange of gases between lungs and bloodstream and bloodstream and body tissues. The tiny air sacs in the lungs called alveoli absorb oxygen and pass it on to the blood. At the same time carbon dioxide from the blood moves into the alveoli to be exhaled.

Exhalation

Exhalation is another main function of the respiratory system. The air is exhaled back through the same path, it was inhaled. In case of exhalation the diaphragm relaxes upward, pushing the lungs upward allowing air to deflate.

Vibration of Vocal Cords

While speaking, the muscles in the arytenoid cartilage push the vocal cord together. The vocal cords vibrate and create sound during the process of exhalation.

Olfaction or Smelling

The respiratory system also helps in activating the receptors of the nervous system on the cilia. These signals are sent to the olfactory bulbs via the brain.

The respiratory system works in harmony with the circulatory system. The blood carries oxygen to every cell in the body and returns with carbon dioxide to be exhaled.

How to Take Care of the Respiratory System?

Respiratory system plays an important role in keeping us healthy and fit. So, it is essential to take care of the respiratory system. Here is how you can take care of your breathing system:

• Don’t Smoke - Smoking increases the chances of COPD and lung cancer. It also damages the lungs.
• Exercise Regularly - To keep your lungs fit and healthy, improve your lifestyle. Add activities like walking, swimming, or yoga to keep your heart and lungs stronger.
• Stay Hydrated - Water keeps the mucus thin and makes breathing easy. Thick mucus is more prone to lung infections.
• Breathe Clean Air - Try to stay away from pollution to keep your lungs healthy and strong.
• Improve Indoor Air Quality - Dusting regularly, using an electrical HVAC system with in-built air filter, proper ventilation  at the home are  the key.
• Get Vaccinated - Flu shots and pneumonia vaccines strengthen your respiratory system. Consult a doctor for the required vaccine shots.
• Practice  Deep Breathing  - To manage your stress and improve the functioning of the lung, try deep breathing exercises Inhalation and exhalation helps a lot. Add yoga to the routine.
• Wash Hands Regularly - To stop the spread of upper respiratory infections, wash your hands.
• Lung Cancer Screening - If you are at high risk, you can go for this test. Consult a doctor. 

Common Respiratory System Issues and Diseases

Respiratory system issues are quite common and children are more vulnerable to develop them.  These respiratory system infections can affect the upper or lower respiratory tract.

Upper respiratory tract infection include:

• The common cold
• Swelling of the trachea - Epiglottitis
• Inflammation of the voice box - Laryngitis
• Pharyngitis or a sore throat 
• Infection of sinuses - Sinusitis

While the lower respiratory tract infections include:

• Infection of lungs with cough and fever - Bronchitis
• Lung infection that usually affects children - Bronchiolitis
• Chest infection 
• Pneumonia 

Various other common respiratory system diseases are contagious. They can be spread with coughing, sneezing, and touching things. Some other common respiratory system diseases include:

• Asthma - Thickness of mucus
• Bronchiectasis - Thicker bronchial walls
• COPD -  Includes bronchitis and emphysema
• Pneumonia - Inflammation in your alveoli
• Tuberculosis - Affects lungs, kidney, spine, or brain
• Lung cancer - Cells in lungs change and multiplies
• Cystic fibrosis - Genetic lung infections
• Pleural effusion - Fluids between the tissues

Symptoms of Respiratory Illness

As per the American Lung Association, some of the early warning signs of respiratory illness include:

• Shortness of breath after exertion
• Chronic cough for a month or longer
• Wheezing or noisy breathing
• Chronic chest pain that for a month or longer
• Chronic mucus or sputum in lungs lasts for a month 
• Coughing up blood

>>Read More: Health Conditions Related to 5 Different Organs in Human Body

Summing Up!!

The respiratory system is just like a body’s air conditioning system, ensuring circulation of the fresh air and throwing away the carbon dioxide. While it does its job effortlessly with dedication, it is our responsibility to take care of it. Just with some extra alertness and a healthy lifestyle, healthy breathing can be ensured. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy!

Also, keep yourself insured with a comprehensive health plan from Care Health Insurance. This will cover everything from medical emergencies to hospitalisation. You will also get the dedicated plans that cover doctor consultation and nutritionist appointments.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.