Every cell in the body must have oxygen at all times to survive. They also must get rid of their carbon dioxide waste. That is the job of the respiratory system. There are actually four parts to respiration. First, the air must come in and out of the lungs bringing oxygen in and carbon dioxide out (pulmonary ventilation). Second, the oxygen and carbon dioxide must be exchanged in the capillaries lining the tiny alveoli inside the lungs (external respiration). Third, the oxygen and carbon dioxide must get to and from the lungs to all the cells of the body traveling in the blood (transport of respiratory gases). Fourth, the oxygen, once it reaches the tissues in capillaries, must go across to the cells, while carbon dioxide comes from the cells (internal respiration). The organs of the respiratory system include: nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, lungs and alveoli. We can break the organs of the respiratory system down into two parts: The respiratory zone, where the actual gas exchange happens. This includes: the aveoli, their tiny ducts and some of the smaller bronchioles. The rest of the organs are simply conducting zone (dead air space). This includes: nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi.
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TESTING
Assess Respiratory System comprehension with the Mutiple Choice Test.
Study the Respiratory System Diagram, then test your knowledge with the Respiratory System Labeling.
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