What belong in the respiratory system?
Here are some major components that belong in the respiratory system:
- Lungs: The lungs are the primary organs of the respiratory system. They are located in the chest cavity and are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The lungs are made up of millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli, which provide a large surface area for gas exchange.
- Airways: The airways are the passages that allow air to flow into and out of the lungs. They include the nose, pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), and bronchi. The bronchi divide into smaller bronchioles, which lead to the alveoli.
- Diaphragm: The diaphragm is a large muscle located at the bottom of the chest cavity. It contracts and relaxes to draw air in and out of the lungs.
- Intercostal muscles: The intercostal muscles are located between the ribs. They contract and relax to help expand and contract the chest cavity during breathing.
- Respiratory muscles: In addition to the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, there are other respiratory muscles that assist in breathing. These include the neck muscles, abdominal muscles, and back muscles.
- Blood vessels: The respiratory system is supplied with blood by the pulmonary arteries and pulmonary veins. The pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs, where it is oxygenated. The pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart.
- Nerves: The respiratory system is controlled by nerves from the brain and spinal cord. These nerves regulate the rate, depth, and rhythm of breathing.