What do the respiratioy system do?

Functions of the Respiratory System:

- Gas Exchange:

- Inhalation: Bringing oxygen-rich air into the lungs through the nose or mouth.

- Exhalation: Releasing carbon dioxide-rich air out of the lungs.

- Oxygen Delivery:

- Transports oxygen from the lungs to the bloodstream through tiny air sacs called alveoli.

- Carbon Dioxide Removal:

- Removes carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular respiration, from the bloodstream and exhales it.

- Regulation of Blood pH:

- Contributes to maintaining proper acid-base balance (pH) in the body.

- Production of Sound:

- When air passes through the vocal cords, sound is produced and speech becomes possible.

- Defense:

- Filters out dust, allergens, and harmful particles from inhaled air.

- Olfaction (Smell):

- Involves the olfactory receptors in the nose, enabling us to differentiate various scents.

- Body Temperature Regulation:

- Plays a minor role in heat loss by facilitating sweating and releasing moisture while exhaling.

- Production of Surfactant:

- Secretes surfactant, a substance that lowers surface tension in the alveoli, promoting efficient lung expansion.

Overall, the respiratory system is crucial for supplying the body with life-sustaining oxygen and eliminating waste gases like carbon dioxide, all while supporting various other physiological processes.