Respiratory+System+hw-+kat

(1) What is the purpose of the respiratory system? The purpose of the respiratory system is to make sure the body inhales oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide.

(2) Describe the path of air from the nose to the lungs. The path that air takes from the nose to lungs starts with the nasal cavity, which then the air moves through the pharynx and then to the glottis. From the glottis, the air moves to the larynx and then to the trachea down to the bronchus. The air then moves into the bronchioles into the lungs.

(3) Which organs are part of the upper respiratory tract and what is the function of each organ? Parts of the upper respiratory tract are the nasal cavities, pharynx, and larynx. The nasal cavities are where the air enters the body. There are large stiff hairs that filter out the air and remove dust so it doesn't enter the air passages. The pharynx is a funnel-shaped passageway that connects the nasal cavity to the larynx. The pharynx is usually referred to as the "**throat**". The larynx is a passageway between the pharynx to the trachea. It also contains our **vocal cords**.

(4) Several organs have connections with the pharynx. What are they? Several organs in the pharynx are the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, and the laryngopharynx. The nasopharynx is where the nasal cavity open above the soft palate. The oropharynx is where the oral cavity opens. The laryngopharynx is the openning into the larynx.

(5) What two pathways cross in the pharynx? Why is it correct to say they cross? Two pathways that cross in pharynx are the air passage and the food passage. Both passages go through the pharynx because the larynx, which receives air, is in front of the the esophagus, which gets foods. The layrnx is normally open, which allows air to pass, and the esophagus is normally closed except when someone swallows.

(6) What organs are part of the lower respiratory tract? What are the the functions of each organ? Parts of the lower respiratory tract include the trachea, the bronchial tree, and the lungs. The trachea is commonly called the **windpipe**. The trachea divides into right and left primary bronchi, which lead into both sides of the lungs. The bronchi branch into more and more branches that end with **bronchioles**. The components of the bronchiole tree beyond the primary bronchi make up the lungs. The lungs take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.

(7) Which organ of the respiratory tract functions in gas exchange? The alveoli functions in gas exchange.

(8) What are some common infections and disorders of the upper respiratory tract? Some common infections and disorders in the upper respiratory tract are **sinusitis**, which develops from nasal congestion, **otitis media**, which an infection in the ear, **tonsillitis**, which is when the **tonsils** become inflamed and enlarged, and **laryngitis**, which is an infection in the larynx.

(9) What are some common infections and disorders of the lower respiratory tract? Some common infections and disorders in the lower respiratory tract are **acute bronchitis**, which is an infection of the primary and secondary bronchi, **pneumonia**, which is a viral or bacterial infection in the lungs, and **pulmonary tuberculosis**, which is when bacterium invade the lung tissue.

(10) What are the three respiratory disorders commonly associated with smoking tobacco? Three respiratory disorders commonly associated with smoking tobacco are **lung cancer**, **chronic bronchitis**, and **emphysema**.