Respiratory system

• Respiratory system allows to obtain oxygen, and eliminate carbon dioxide.
• Breathing consists of 2 parts. Inspiration: taking in air. Expiration: blowing out air.
• Lungs-> absorb oxygen from air. Located near backbone, surrounded by rib cage and have spongy tissue.
• Epiglottis -> flap like structure covering opening of trachea when food is being swallowed. A cough expels any food nd drink that enters the trachea.
• Trachea - tube containing cartilage rings that help keep the airway open. Connects to bronchi.
• Alveoli connects to bronchioles. Grape-like structures. Surrounded by capillaries and a site of gas exchange. Oxygen is given to red blood cells in capillaries. CO2 is given to alveoli by red blood cells in capillaries.
• Diaphragm - large sheet of muscle under lungs. When muscles contract(move downwards) air enters lungs. When muscles relax(move upwards) air moves out of lungs.
• Control of breathing - CO2 builds in blood, signal is given to brain and brain sends signal to lungs.
• Respiratory Diseases: diseases reduce flow of air in and out of lungs. Asthma: airway swelling and mucus protection. Emphysema: tiny air sacs in lungs collapse, less oxygen reaches blood. Chronic Bronchitis: Tissue in airway swell.