RESPIRATORY SYSTEM ASSIGNMENT

1. Explain the Structure and Functions of the following parts of the respiratory
system

Lungs: The lungs are in the center of the respiratory system. The lungs are made
of three lobes (right lung) and two lobes (left lung). They are located at the
bottom of the trachea. The function of the lung is to exchange gasses. Oxygen
enters the lungs through inspiration and sends out carbon dioxide through
expiration. Other parts consist of sound production, aiding in the sense of smell
and protection from dust and other things that enter your body.

Trachea: The Trachea is a tube structure inside the neck and upper chest. The
lungs are connected to the bottom part of the trachea and are made of cartilage.
The primary function of the trachea is the transportation of air into and from the
lungs. Additionally, it produces mucus and helps capture microorganisms that
can cause viruses or harm your lungs. Lastly, it regulates the air going into your
lungs; for example, on a cold day, when you breathe in, the trachea warms the air
and provides humidity to the air before it enters the lungs.

Bronchi: The bronchi are the airways that branch off into the lungs from the
trachea. The bronchi are made from cartilage, smooth muscle, and mucus
membranes. The carina basically divides the two bronchi that travel in your right
and left lungs. The function of the bronchi is to create a passageway for air to
travel into the lungs. It allows the body’s tissue to receive oxygen and for carbon
dioxide to leave the body. The bronchi are lined with mucus to protect the lungs
from harmful bacteria entering.

Alveoli: The alveoli are clusters that are placed in the lungs. They are placed at the
end of the branches in the lungs. They are thin, and the amount in each person
varies. The alveoli’s function is to move oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules in
and out of the bloodstream. The alveoli have two cells, one cell is called the
pneumocytes (type 1) and is responsible for the exchange, and the second type of
pneumocytes is accountable for the shape and may turn into type one to repair
the damage to the alveoli.

Diaphragm: The diaphragm is a thin but large muscle that separates the chest
from the abdomen. It separates the two cavities. It is made of muscle and fibrous
tissue and has three large lobes. The diaphragm is what allows the action of
breathing and often moves involuntarily. It moves involuntarily at times due to the
activation of a nerve that receives signals from the brain. This is how we can
breathe consistently when we sleep.
 1. Describe how gas exchange occurs by examining the diagram in the
slideshow and explain the importance of the capillary network.

When we inhale oxygen, it goes into the lungs then the bloodstream; at the same
time, carbon dioxide is going from the bloodstream to the lungs. This occurrence
is called gas exchange, and it occurs by the tons of alveolus in the lungs and the
capillaries around them. Blood that is mainly CO2 will go into the alveoli, and
when you exhale, it diffuses the CO2 out, then you inhale, and the oxygen is given
to the red blood cells, and it goes throughout the bloodstream.

1. Describe the pathway of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Air (oxygen) enters the body through the nose or mouth when inhaled, then goes
down into the lungs and through the bloodstream; during that time, the gas
exchange occurs. When oxygen goes into the bloodstream, the simultaneous
carbon dioxide passes from the bloodstream to the lungs and out the mouth or
nose when we exhale.

1. Why is oxygen a critical component of our respiratory system?

All living things need oxygen. Oxygen is a part of what our cells are made of, and
we are all made of cells. Without oxygen, we couldn’t produce the needed
proteins that build new cells, and cells are ever reproducing. Additionally, we need
oxygen to replace cells, kill bacteria, and protect ourselves from viruses (like covid).
Overall, oxygen is a big part of what we are made of, what we need to function
and what we need to have energy!

1. How Does respiration improve with cardio training?

When exercising, your breathing increases, and so your heart is pumping blood.
You cause your respiratory muscles to supply the oxygen demand, which works
out those internal muscles. You are training your respiratory muscles to work
more efficiently and effectively when you work out, and soon you won’t be out of
breath because the muscles are more substantial.

1. List and describe three illnesses of the Respiratory System.

Pneumonia: This illness is when the alveoli in your lungs are infected, causing
them to inflame. The alveoli fill up with fluids or pus, making the symptoms
coughing, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be caused by viruses,
bacteria and fungi that enter the body. When getting treatment for the illness, it
usually is antibiotics; if it’s severe, you may need hospitalization and be put on
oxygen therapy or other breathing treatments. In addition, some forms of
pneumonia are contagious (Bacterial, Viral, or walking pneumonia).
Asthma: This illness is a disease that affects the lungs. The inside walls of the
airways in the lungs may become swollen. Additionally, the airway lining may
have an excessive mucus that causes symptoms like coughing, shortness of
breath and wheezing. In some cases, asthma is caused by allergens and irritants
that trigger it, such as pollen, dust, smoke or strong odours. The main treatments
for asthma attacks are inhalers for milk asthma. However, people can treat severe
asthma with medication such as Leukotriene modifiers (prevents or lessens the
symptoms of allergies)

Chronic Bronchitis: This illness is in the bronchi. This illness occurs over some
time and causes inflammation in the bronchi. It causes the bronchi to have
excessive mucus that causes the person to have severe cough and breathing
problems. This illness can develop from smoking long-term. Treatment for
Chronic Bronchitis is usually medication taken orally or inhaled to help clear and
open the airways. There are also steroids to help reduce inflammation and oxygen
therapy.

1. How do environmental or harmful habitual practices harm the respiratory

When inhaling harmful substances or dirty air, it enters into your lungs and
throughout your entire body (organs). When consistently inhaling impure air or
substances, the respiratory system is exposed to it, which will cause the toxicity
levels to increase, thus causing you to have an illness in the future. Pollution is
inevitable in today’s world, and with the effects on the lungs, we should work
quickly to fix it. Harmful gas emissions in the lungs are enough to cause various
respiratory infections and illnesses. Vaping and smoking are especially bad
because they can prevent respiratory damage. Avoiding vaping and smoking is
important for your lungs’ health, especially because ongoing usage can be lung
cancer, lungs collapsing, and more. Overall, it’s important to do everything
possible to keep your respiratory system and body healthy.