Respiration
Human body needs uninterrupted supply of oxygen for cellular respiration. We get oxygen from the atmosphere. 21 percent of oxygen is found in the Earth’s atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is the waste product of respiratory process. It is important to release the excess carbon dioxide in the body through respiration. The oxygen spread in the air is exchanged to the cells through respiration.
The anatomy of the respiratory system consists of lungs, airways, and the respiratory muscles.
Brain has the primary control over respiration. The brain sends signals to the lungs and body to breathe. The process is done continuously in situations where there is a need for more oxygen. The inhalation process is active and the exhalation is known as a passive function. Muscles get stretched out during the exhalation process.
The reflex prevents inhalation and it avoids over expansion of the lungs. The spinal cord reflux also helps the muscles with need for more air when a person is exercising or controlling the breathing process.
Functions of Respiratory System
The primary functions of the human respiratory system are:
- Breathing
- External Respiration
- Gas Transplant
- Internal Respiration
- Cellular Respiration
Breathing: Inspiration and expiration are the two processes involved in breathing. The diaphragm gets contracted during inspiration. The intercostal muscles of diaphragm gets relaxed during expiration.
External Respiration: The external respiration occurs in the alveolus. The air passes through the nostrils first. It goes to through the nasal passages then to pharynx, then through larynx. Then it goes down to the trachea and into the primary bronchi, then to several bronchial tubules then to tiny bronchioles. The air finally reaches alveolus. Here takes place the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air and blood.
Gas Transplant: Gas transplant, oxygen transplant and carbon dioxide transplant in the body are interrelated. It simplifies the transport of oxygen to the blood and cells.
Internal Respiration: The excess carbon dioxide in the body is released by internal respiration. Internal respiration allows the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and the cells.
Cellular Respiration: Cellular respiration allows the cells harvest energy that is stored in the food. It enables the consequent synthesis of ATP (adenosine triphospate) and biochemical oxidation of glucose.
