the respiratory system refers to the lungs and structures within the body that are involved in
the process of breathing this video will provide a brief overview of all the different structures
that make up the respiratory system to help you learn this topic in under five minutes
so if you're ready let's get into it first and foremost what is the respiratory system
as previously mentioned the respiratory system is a term that describes the biological structures of
the human body that are involved in gas exchange gas exchange is the physiological process of
diffusion where oxygen moves from the lungs to the bloodstream during inhalation and carbon
dioxide moves from the blood to the lungs for removal during exhalation the respiratory system
is made up of several organs and structures that work together to facilitate breathing including
lungs trachea upper airway lower airway alveoli blood vessels chest wall diaphragm accessory
muscles and pleural membranes these organs begin to develop in the embryonic phase and continue
through puberty each structure is directly or indirectly involved in the process of gas exchange
of course first we have to talk about the lungs the lungs are the primary organ of the respiratory
system they are responsible for inhalation and exhalation which is how the body is able to
take in oxygen while removing carbon dioxide the trachea is a tube made of cartilage that
connects the larynx to the airways of the lungs so that breathing can occur it is lined with cilia
which are tiny hairs that help to filter out dust and other particles from reaching the lungs
the upper airway includes the pharynx and nasal cavities these structures act as the initial
passageway for air and are lined with mucus which helps trap dust and debris the lower airway refers
to the portion of the respiratory system that includes the bronchi bronchioles and alveoli
during inhalation air passes through the upper and lower airways before finally reaching the
alveoli which is the next structure that we need to mention the alveoli are tiny air sacs that
are arranged in clusters within the lungs they are responsible for the gas exchange of oxygen
and carbon dioxide molecules once air enters the alveoli it diffuses across the alveolar membrane
and into the bloodstream the blood vessels of the respiratory system transport oxygen throughout the
body while also carrying carbon dioxide away from cells for removal via exhalation these vessels
include arteries veins and capillaries the chest wall refers to the bony structures that surround
and protect the lungs such as the ribs and sternum the diaphragm is the primary muscle of respiration
that lies beneath the lungs it separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity
during inhalation it contracts and flattens which creates more space in the chest cavity
and allows air to flow into the lungs speaking of breathing muscles certain accessory muscles
may also assist with breathing by helping lift the ribs during inhalation this includes
the abdominal muscles internal intercostals sternocleidomastoid scalene and pectoralis
major if these muscles are being used to help with breathing it is a sign of respiratory distress
and finally the plural membranes are two thin layers of tissue that surround and protect
the lungs they are lubricated by pleural fluid which helps to reduce friction during breathing
again this video was created to provide you with a quick and easy to understand overview of the
structures that make up the respiratory system if you enjoyed this information there are some other
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and just a quick reminder we are not doctors this video is for informational purposes only
thank you so much for watching have a blessed day and as always breathe easy my friend