Human Respiratory System
By Jared, Will, Elliot, and
Jalen
Airway Components and Functions
Nasal cavity- chamber where air
is moistened, warmed, and
filtered
Oral cavity- supplemental
airway
Pharynx(throat)- airway
connecting nasal/mouth cavities
with larynx
Larynx(voice box)- airway
where sound/voice is produced
Epiglottis- closes off larynx
during swallowing
Trachea(windpipe)- airway
connecting larynx with two
bronchi that lead into lungs
Sources: (1), (2)
Source: Picture(5)
Lung Components and Functions
Pleural Membrane- Separates inner
lungs from other organs with a doublelayered, fluid-filled membrane
Bronchial Tree: Beginning with
right/left primary bronchus,
increasingly branched airways leading
from the trachea, into the lung, and
eventually ending at the bronchioles
and alveolar sacs (divided into
displayed sections)
-The bronchi's lining is covered with
cilia (like tiny hairs) and mucus that
move bacteria and particles out of lung.
Alveoli- small and compact, final stage
of breathed air, surrounded by
pulmonary capillaries thus maximizing
surface area for diffusion
-most of the gas exchange in the
body takes place between the alveoli
and capillaries.
Source: (1)
Source: Picture(1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiT621PrrO0
Diaphragm
Diaphragm and breathing animation
The diaphragm is a thin
muscle sheet located under
the lungs
During the process of
breathing when inhaling the
diaphram contracts down and
lifts the rib cage up
During exhalation is when the
diaphram relaxes and the rib
cage returns to its normal state
Source: (1), (4)
Source: Picture(6)
Breathing
Source: Picture(3)
• Inhalation requires energy to
contract the diaphragm
• Ribs and chest expand
allowing max air capacity(2)
• 5.7 liters average for adult
male
• 4.2 liters average for adult
female
• Exhalation requires little to no
energy
• doesn't release all air ever
amount released is called
Vital Capacity
Sources:(1), (4)
Alveoli and Gas Exchange
Alveoli and surrounding
capillaries
Source: Picture(4)
Diffusion in the respiratory
membrane(The fused bases of alveolar
epithelium cells and the capillary
endothelium cells.(1)
Gas exchange
-In the alveoli CO2
An alveolus and a pulmonary
capillary
and Oxygen
diffuse across the respiratory
membrane because of the inward
and outward partial pressure
gradients.
-Molecules diffuse rapidly because of
small diffusion distance.(2)
-After diffusing into the plasma
portion of the blood oxygen quickly
diffuses into red blood cells and
binds with hemoglobin.
-Reaction is always occurring
because of the lungs' vital capacity.
Source: Picture(2)
Source: (1)
Picture bibliography
(1)respsys. N.d. Emergency medical ed. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2011
(2)Tamarkin, Dawn A. Alveolus - Gas Exchange. 1998. Springfield Technical
Community
College. STCC, n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2011.
(3)Lung - Diaphram model. N.d. Photobucket. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2011.
(4)Respitory Pics - Picture20. N.d. austincc.edu. Austin Community College, n.d.
Web. 23 Oct. 2011.
(5) Life: The Science of Biology, 4th Edition, by Sinauer Associates
(www.sinauer.com) and WH Freeman (www.whfreeman.com)
(6)diaphragm animation. N.d. Blogspot. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Oct. 2011
References
(1) Starr, Cecie, and Ralph Taggart. Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life. 9th
ed. N.p.: Brooks/Cole, 2001. 714-719. Print.
(2) Farabee, M. J. "The Respiratory System." estrellamountain.edu. Estrella
Mountain
Community College, 18 May 2010. Web. 23 Oct. 2011.
(3)"Body Systems: Respiratory System - The Human Heart: An Online
Exploration from The Franklin Institute, Made Possible by Unisys." The Franklin
Institute. Web. 24 Oct.
2011
<http://www.fi.edu/learn/heart/systems/respiration.html>.
(4)"Your Gross and Cool Body - Respiratory System." The Yuckiest Site on the
Internet. Web. 24 Oct. 2011.
<http://yucky.discovery.com/flash/body/pg000138.html>.