The Respiratory System

Aerobic respiration requires gaseous exchange, which we can break down into two parts: ‘gaseous‘ is related to gases, and ‘exchange‘ is related to giving and taking (a transfer).

The two gases exchanged in the respiratory system are oxygen and carbon dioxide. It contains organs that allow us to get the oxygen we need, and it removes carbon dioxide as waste that we don’t need.

The respiratory system contains:

  • Two lungs
  • Tubes that lead from the entrance (mouth and nose) to the lungs
  • Different structures in the chest that allow air to move in and out of the lungs

The image depicts a detailed illustration of the "Human Respiratory System". A front profile of a man's upper body is shown, highlighting key respiratory structures. Starting from the top, the "Nasal Cavity" is labelled, leading to the "Nose" and "Mouth". Behind these, we see the "Throat", which contains the "Epiglottis" and the "Larynx", followed by the "Trachea" that descends towards the lungs. The "Esophagus" is also marked behind the trachea. The "Right Lung" and "Left Lung" are prominently shown, surrounded by the "Pleural Membranes". The "Rib Cage" encloses the lungs, with "Bronchi" tubes entering each lung. Below the lungs sits the "Diaphragm". An inset circle illustrates the "Alveoli", small air sacs, in detail. Within this circle, we can observe the "Bronchiole" leading to a cluster of alveoli, which are surrounded by a "Capillary Network" consisting of "Venule" and "Arteriole".

Air Travelling Through the Respiratory System

1. We take air in through our nose and mouth

2. This air goes down the trachea (also known as the windpipe), towards the lungs

3. Once the air reaches the lungs, it moves into two smaller tubes called bronchi

  • There is one bronchus in each lung

4. The bronchi then split into smaller tubes called bronchioles, which the air moves into

5. At the end of each bronchiole, the air ends up in microscopic air sacs called alveoli

  • Each lung contains hundreds of millions of alveoli

Ventilation

The process of ventilation (breathing), involves the movement of:

  • Ribs – The bones protecting the respiratory system
  • Intercostal muscles – Muscles between the ribs
  • The diaphragm – Smooth muscle at the bottom of the rib cage

Inhalation (Breathing in)

When we inhale, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, causing the ribcage to move outwards and upwards. This increases the volume of the lungs, which decreases the pressure of the lungs.

As the pressure inside the lungs is lower than outside the body, air is drawn into the lungs. This equalises the pressure.

The image portrays the process of "Inhalation" in the human respiratory system. A front-facing torso of a man reveals the internal structures involved in inhalation. Prominently displayed are the "Lungs", which are reddish in colour. Above the lungs, blue arrows indicate the downward movement of air, and the label "Intercostal muscles contract" is positioned beside the ribcage, suggesting the action of these muscles during inhalation. Below the lungs, a prominent red arrow points downwards, symbolising the contraction of the "Diaphragm". The overall visual conveys the mechanisms involved when air is drawn into the lungs during the process of inhalation.

Exhalation (Breathing out)

When we exhale air, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, causing the ribcage to move downwards and inwards. The volume of the lungs decreases, which increases the pressure of the lungs.

As the pressure in the lungs is greater than outside the body, air is forced out of the lungs. This equalises the pressure.

The image depicts the process of "Exhalation" in the human respiratory system. Displayed is a front-facing torso of a man, highlighting the internal anatomy related to breathing out. The "Trachea" is labelled, branching into bronchi within the lungs. A blue arrow indicates the upward movement of air during exhalation. To the side of the ribcage, the label "Intercostal muscles relax" highlights the resting state of these muscles during this phase. Further below, a red arrow signifies the upward movement of the "Diaphragm" as it relaxes, aiding in pushing the air out of the lungs. The overall visual provides insight into the bodily functions during exhalation.

Measuring Lung Volume

To measure lung volume, you will need the following items: a measuring cylinder, marker pen, plastic or rubber tubing, a bowl of water and a large plastic container.

Method:

1. Connect one end of the tubing to the mouth and the other end to the measuring cylinder.

2. Fill the large plastic container with water and place the measuring cylinder in it.

3. Take a deep breath in and exhale forcefully through the tubing, pushing the water out of the measuring cylinder and into the bowl.

4. Use the marker pen to mark the level of the water in the measuring cylinder after the exhalation.

5. The volume of air exhaled can be calculated by subtracting the initial volume of water in the measuring cylinder from the final volume of water, as marked on the cylinder.

6. This value is equal to the volume of air in the lungs.