Respiratory System Organs for Kids

The respiratory system is responsible for getting and managing oxygen from our outside environment to the parts of our bodies that need it as well as expelling gasses we do not need such as carbon dioxide. Children can engage in a number of cardiovascular activities to keep their respiratory system healthy.

Larynx

• The larynx, commonly known as the voice box, is located behind the tongue and is responsible for regulating the flow of air from the nasal cavities and the mouth into the lungs. It also creates sound by adjusting the size of its opening, then forcing air from the lungs to the mouth through its opening to create vibrations. When a child goes through puberty, the walls of the larynx will thicken, causing the child's voice to change.

Lungs

• The lungs are light elastic organs that receive oxygen that people breathe in. They are stored in separate rib cage cavities called pleural cavities. Most children's right lung is larger than their left lung. As children grow older, their lungs will increase in size, although the amount of growth depends on how much they exercise and avoid air pollution and cigarette smoke. Children who want to grow large and strong lungs should engage in cardiovascular exercise as much as possible and minimize exposure to pollution and cigarette smoke.

Nasal Cavity and Mouth

• The nasal cavity is responsible for taking in air and removing harmful particles and germs before transferring it to the lungs. The nose does this by using mucus and cilia to filter out germs and harmful particles. When air is taken in through the mouth, no filtration system exists to remove harmful germs and particles from the rest of the respiratory system. Children can develop good breathing habits by being taught to breath through their nose whenever possible.

Diaphragm

• The diaphragm is a thin muscle that separates the lungs and heart from the organs in the stomach. It expands when you inhale and relaxes when you exhale. The diaphragm also works in conjunction with the upper abdominal muscles when you want to control how much air you exhale, which is useful for playing instruments and singing. Children who want to improve the strength of their diaphragm should practice yoga breathing exercises.

Trachea, Pharynx and Epiglottis

• The trachea is the pipe that connects the lungs with the mouth and nasal cavities. Between the trachea and the nasal cavities is the pharynx, which is responsible for catching food that the mouth chews and forcing it down the throat. At the top of the trachea is the epiglottis. The epiglottis closes the esophagus when you breath so that air can flow down the trachea, and it closes the trachea when you eat so that food can pass through the esophagus and into your stomach.