Respiratory+System+HW+CC

Respiratory System

(1) What is the purpose of the respiratory system? -The respiratory system allows oxygen to enter the body and eventually end up in the blood stream, and allows Carbon Dioxide to leave the body. During Inspiration air travels from outside the body into the lungs, and then into the blood. In expirations air is taken from the lungs and back in to the atmosphere through nearly the same way it entered.

(2) Describe the path of air from the nose to the lungs. -Air enters the body through the nose. The nose is able to somewhat filter air due to hair and mucus in the nose. The nose includes sinuses. Air then travels into the Pharynx which is a passageway where food and air cross. The larynx is the voicebox which produces sound. Air then travels down the trachea and into the Bronchus. It then goes into Brochioles which are the passageway to the lungs. The lungs contain alveoli's which transfer the oxygen to the blood, and the carbon dioxide back into the lungs to then be released back into the atmosphere.

(3) Which organs are part of the upper respiratory tract and what is the function of each organ? -The Upper Respiratory Tract has many different parts. The first is the naval cavity, which filters the air using hair and mucus. the naval cavity includes sinuses. Next is the Pharynx which is a pathway for air and food to cross. Then there is the Glottis which is the space between the vocal chords and is the opening to the larynx. The larynx is the voicebox. This is what produces sounds, including your voice.

(4) Several organs have connections with the pharynx. What are they? -The Pharynx connects the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx. The nasopharynx is where the nasal cavities open above the soft palate. The oropharynx is where the oral cavity opens and finally, the laryngopharynx is where it opens into the larynx.

(5) What two pathways cross in the pharynx? Why is it correct to say they cross? -The air passage and the food passage cross in the pharynx. The larynx is in front of the esophagus, and the esophagus is the passageway for food.

(6) What organs are part of the lower respiratory tract? What are the the functions of each organ? - The trachea is at the top of the lower respiratory tract. It is also considered the windpipe, or the passage of air to the bronchi. Next is the Bronchus which is simply another passage way for air to travel to the lungs. Then there is are the Bronchioles which are inside the lungs and take the air to the alveoli. The Alveoli then carries the air to the blood stream, and finishes out the gas exchange. Finally, the Diaphragm is the muscle below your lungs that contracts, allowing you to breath in or inhale.

(7) Which organ of the respiratory tract functions in gas exchange? -Alveoli are the main organs that function in the actual gas exchange where oxygen is carried from cells into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is transfered from the blood stream into cells.

(8) What are some common infections and disorders of the upper respiratory tract? -Some common infections of the upper respiratory tract incude sinusitis, which starts with nasal congestion. Another is Otitis Media which is an infection of the middle ear. It is often seen in children who h ave nasal infections. Tonsillitis occurs when tonsils become inflammed, and if this occurs often the tonsils will be surgically removed. The last common infection is laryngitis. Laryngitis is an infection of the larynx.

(9) What are some common infections and disorders of the lower respiratory tract? -Some common infections include acute bronchitis, pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, as well as some restrictive and obstructive pulmonary disorders. Another common disorder of the lungs is asthma.

(10) What are the three respiratory disorders commonly associated with smoking tobacco? -Smoking tobacco can cause many different types of cancer. A few types including the respiratory system include cancer of the larynx, oral cavity, throat, and esophagus. Smoking can also cause shortness of breath, nagging coughs, lessened smell and taste, premature aging, and many other things.