What does the breathing system contain?
- Nostril: External openings through which air enters.
- Nasal cavity: Chamber inside the nose that filters, warms, and moistens the inhaled air.
- Nasal turbinate: Bony structures that increase the surface area for air contact.
2. Pharynx (Throat):
- Nasopharynx: Part behind the nasal cavity, connects the nose to the throat.
- Oropharynx: Part behind the oral cavity (mouth) that connects the mouth to the larynx (voice box).
- Laryngopharynx: Part connecting the oropharynx to the esophagus and the larynx.
3. Larynx (Voice box):
- Epiglottis: A flap-like structure that covers the entrance to the trachea during swallowing.
- Vocal cords: Elastic bands that produce sound when air passes through them.
4. Trachea (Windpipe):
- A flexible tube that carries air to and from the lungs.
- Tracheal rings: C-shaped cartilage rings that support the trachea.
5. Bronchi:
- Two large branches of the trachea that enter the lungs.
6. Bronchioles:
- Smaller branches of the bronchi that further divide into many tiny air passages.
7. Lungs:
- Two spongy organs located on either side of the heart.
- Consists of millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli.
- Alveoli: Thin-walled sacs where gas exchange occurs between the air and the bloodstream.
8. Diaphragm:
- A dome-shaped muscle beneath the lungs that contracts and relaxes to draw air in and expel air out.
9. Intercostal muscles:
- Muscles between the ribs that help in the process of breathing.
10. Blood vessels:
- Capillaries surround the alveoli and facilitate the exchange of gases between the air and the blood.
11. Respiratory control centers:
- Located in the brainstem, regulates the rate and depth of breathing.