the respiratory system

• the respiratory system's primary function is to take in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide
• the respiratory system consists of: nose, mouth, pharynx (throat), trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, lungs, and alveoli
• trachea separates into two bronchi which deliver air to lungs
• trachea is supported by cartilage
• some epithelial cells in the trachea and bronchi have cilia which helps move mucus and filter foreign materials in system
• when food gets into trachea, you cough to get it out
• alveoli are tiny air sacs
• alveoli provide large surface area for oxygen and carbon dioxide to diffuse
• as the carbon dioxide levels increase in blood, the brain sends signals to increase breathing rate
• hiccups are caused by the muscles of the diaphragm suddenly contracting
• in hiccups, epiglottis snaps shut over the end of the trachea to produce hic sound
• hiccups are usually triggered by eating too fast or coughing
• in fish, the gills have capillaries that bring blood close to the water so oxygen can diffuse into the water
• tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria in the lungs
• SARS stands for:

  • severe
  • acute
  • respiratory
  • syndrome