Respiratory System - MXMS 7th Grade · PDF fileMXMS 7th Grade Science. What is respiration?...

Respiratory SystemMXMS 7th Grade Science

What is respiration?• the act of breathing, where oxygen is inhaled and

carbon dioxide is exhaled

Main Functions

• to carry oxygen to your lungs, where it is transferred into your bloodstream

• to carry carbon dioxide away from your lungs, where it can be exhaled

Interesting Facts• your lungs are not the same size, to make room for

your heart

• we take about 12-15 breaths per minute

• we lose about 0.5 Liter of water through breathing

Main Parts• Nasal passage & Mouth

• Pharynx

• Larynx

• Trachea

• Epiglottis

• Lungs

A. Bronchi

B. Bronchioles

C. Alveoli

D. Diaphragm

Nasal Passage & Mouth

• both allow air (O2 & CO2) to enter and leave the body

• nasal passage warms, filters, & moistens the incoming air

Pharynx• tubular area which allows passage of air into the

lungs

• tonsils are located here (part of the immune system)

Larynx

• controls the flow of air at the time of breathing

• aka: the voice box

Trachea

• tube which carries air from the throat into the lungs

• very rigid, lined with cartilage rings meant to keep it open at all times

Epiglottis

• flap-like structure which prevents food or water from entering the trachea when swallowing

Lungs• Bronchi: one of two passages which

allows air to flow into a lung (right or left)

• Bronchioles: much narrower tubes allowing air to pass from the bronchi to the alveoli

• Alveoli: individual hollow sacs that act as the surface for O2 & CO2 to be exchanged with the bloodstream

• Diaphragm: large muscle under the lungs that expands & contracts to force air in & out of the lungs

Hiccups

• occurs when the diaphragm begins to spasm

Respiratory Disorders

• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder)

• Asthma

• Cystic Fibrosis

• Cancer

COPD• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder can refer

to emphysema or chronic bronchitis

• caused by damage to the airways that carry air to & from the lungs

Asthma• caused by triggers (environmental, etc.) that cause

airways to suddenly tighten and make it hard to breathe

Cystic Fibrosis

• genetic disease that can be fatal

• makes it hard to clear lungs of bacteria

Cancer• can be caused by smoking (lung cancer) or

chewing tobacco (mouth/esophageal cancer)

• can be caused by exposure to airborne chemical/toxins