SCIENCE 9 UNIT 1: LIVING THINGS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Module 1: Respiratory and Circulatory Systems

Lesson 1: The Respiratory System
Lesson 2: The Circulatory System

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module, the students must be able to:
 Explain how respiratory and circulatory systems help in the transport of nutrients,
gases and other molecules to and from the different parts of the body;
 Create a pamphlet/flyer about information dissemination on the practices that
promote proper care for respiratory and circulatory systems; and
 Write a reflection on how you are keeping your body, especially, your respiratory
system protected from covid-19.

I. Introduction

Our body is made up of different organ systems, each has unique functions. During your
previous lessons, you have learned the function of digestive system which is to break down food to
be used by our body.

In this module, we will learn the different organs that compose the respiratory and
circulatory systems and how each organ performs specific functions. We will also learn how these
two organ systems work together in transporting gases, nutrients and waste materials throughout
the body. Moreover, we will understand the common diseases in the respiratory and circulatory
systems and their prevention.

Lessons 1: Respiratory System (August 22-25, 2023)

Objectives:
1. Trace the pathway of oxygen from the environment to the lungs;
2. Distinguish the upper and lower respiratory systems and give their descriptions and
functions;
3. Discuss the mechanism of the respiratory system in transporting oxygen gas from the
environment to the lungs;
4. Give some serious respiratory problems that a person may acquire from exposure to
diseases, chemicals and accidents; and
5. Suggest ways on how to keep the respiratory system healthy.

Respiration is the process of gas exchange - the release of carbon dioxide and the uptake of
oxygen. “Respiration” is an everyday term that is often used to mean “breathing.” There are two
phases of respiration.

Two phases of Respiration:

1. External Respiration
The exchange of gases between the air that is inhaled from the surroundings going to
the blood.
2. Internal respiration
The exchange of gases between the blood and the body tissue.

Organs specialized for breathing usually contains moist structures with large surface areas to
allow diffusion of gases. They are also adapted to protect the organisms from the invasion of
pathogens along those surfaces.

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Structures Specialized for Gas Exchange Include:

1. Gills for aquatic animals like fish.
2. Spiracles for terrestrial insects like cockroaches, caterpillar and ants.
3. Lungs for most terrestrial vertebrates like dogs, pigs, carabaos and even human.

Gills Spiracles

Respiratory System is made up of the organs in the body that help us to breathe. Each organ
has different functions.

Functions of Respiratory System

1. Respiratory system allows animals to move oxygen (needed for cellular respiration)
into body tissues and remove carbon dioxide (waste product of cellular respiration)
from cells.
2. It filters, warms, and humidifies the air we breathe.
3. An integral part in creating sounds such as those used for speech.
4. It responsible in the sense of smell
5. The cells of the respiratory tract also protect the body from the invasion of
pathogens through the nasal passages.

The Organs of Respiratory System

Figure 1. The Organs of the Respiratory System

http://sciencenetlinks.com/student-teacher-sheets/mechanics-respiration/

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A. Upper Respiratory Tract

 Nose serves as passageway of air from the environment to the body. It has two openings
called nostrils (or nares). The nostrils open into the nasal cavity.
 Nasal cavity is a hollow cavity that extends from nostrils to the throat where inhaled
gases are cleaned, moistened and warmed through the following:
a. Coarse hairs – projected from the inner wall of the nostrils that strain dust
particles that enters the body.
b. Mucous membrane - layer of specialized cells lining the walls of nasal passages.
The cells secret moist and thick mucus that moistens the air. Bacteria and other
impurities embedded in the air stick to the mucus. Mucus membrane contains
capillaries that warm the air as it enters the lungs because the blood in the
capillaries is warm.
c. Cilia are microscopic hairs found on the surface of the cells of mucous membrane.
These cilia move back and forth pushing the mucous and any material in it which
will then be sent out as you cough.
 Pharynx or throat is a passageway for both food and air. It contains the trachea or
windpipe and the esophagus or the food pipe.
 Glottis is the slit-like opening in to the trachea.
 Epiglottis prevents swallowed food from entering the trachea.
 Larynx or the voice box is where the vocal cord lie and where sound is produced.

2. Upper Respiratory Tract

 Trachea or Windpipe is located just below the larynx. It is about 10 cm long and 2.5 cm
in diameter. The trachea is the main passageway of air that goes in to the lungs.
 Lungs are the main organs of respiratory system. It is divided to right lung and left lung.
The right lung is usually bigger than the left lung. Lungs are responsible for the exchange
of gases, oxygen and carbon dioxide.
 Bronchi (singlular bronchus) are two hollow branches from the end part of trachea.
Bronchus in each lung branches into smaller bronchial tubes. Bronchial tubes branch
further into smaller tubes called bronchioles which are connected to the alveoli. Alveoli
(singular alveolus) or air sacs are thin-walled bulbs that allow gas exchange in the lungs.
The exchange of gases happens in the capillaries surrounding the alveoli. The carbon
dioxide and water vapor from the blood is exchanged to oxygen from the alveoli. Average
adult lungs have approximately 3 million alveoli.
 Diaphragm is a domed-shaped muscle dividing chest from the abdomen. It is the main
respiratory muscle that contracts and relaxes to allow air to get into the lungs

The human breathing system: Tracing the path of air from the surrounding to the lungs

The air that we breathe from the environment is four-fifth (4/5) nitrogen gas and one-fifth
(1/5) oxygen gas. The other gases present are in small amounts. Air enters via nose or mouth.
Mouth, as a passage way may not filter the air. The air will make the mouth dry.

The air that we breathe from the surrounding enters our body through the nose. It will pass
through the nasal cavity where it will be cleaned, moistened and warmed. From there, the air
passes through pharynx, larynx, trachea which will separate in the bronchi going to the left and
right lungs. The bronchi branch-out into hair-like tubes, the bronchioles. At the end of the
bronchioles are the alveoli where air is temporarily stored. The alveoli will serve as sacs where
exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) takes place.

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The human breathing system: Inhalation and Exhalation

Figure 2. The human breathing: a. Inhalation and b. Exhalation

During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and the rib cage rise up. This expands the chest
cavity. Since the chest cavity is sealed, it creates a partial vacuum inside the cavity. Atmospheric
pressure fills the lungs as air rushes into the breathing passages. Gases are inhaled particularly
oxygen gas

Often, exhaling is a passive event. When the rib cage lowers and the diaphragm relaxes,
pressure in the chest cavity is greater than atmospheric pressure. With this, air is pushed out of
the lungs.

The Respiratory Problems

The disruption of respiration due to certain diseases, chemicals and accidents may cause
serious problems that may pose threat to human life or even death. The following are some
respiratory problems an individual may acquire:

SERIOUS RESPIRATORY
CAUSES SYMPTOMS
PROBLEMS
ASTHMA  Exposure to tobacco,  Frequent cough, especially at
A respiratory disease in which smoke, polluted air, night
airways in the lungs could be irritants such as  Losing your breath easily or
constricted due to sensitive perfume and cleaning shortness of breath
stimulus (such as pollen and products  Feeling very tired or weak
perfume), thus, making the  Allergens such as when exercising
passage of air more difficult. molds dust, and  Wheezing or coughing after
animal dander. exercise
 Stress
PNEUMONIA  Bacteria, virus or  Cough, in some cases may be
An infection of the alveoli, fungi living in the greenish or yellow mucus, or
secondary to aspiration of nose, sinuses, or even bloody mucus
bacterial pathogens into the mouth may spread to  Increase respiratory rate,
lower respiratory tract. the lungs fever, and difficulty of
breathing

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 SCIENCE 9 UNIT 1: LIVING THINGS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
EMPHYSEMA  Smoking  Chronic cough,
A condition where the lung breathlessness, increased
tissues lose their elasticity, work of breathing and easily
thus, greatly affecting the fatigability.
efficiency of gas exchange
between the blood and the
lungs. The alveolar sac is
distorted due to free radicals
acquired from chronic
smoking
TUBERCULOSIS (TB)  It is caused by  Patients may have blood –
One of the most common Mycrobacterium tinged sputum, chronic
causes of chronic cough in the tuberculosis. cough, weight loss, anorexia,
Philippines. low-grade fever and night
sweats..
COMMON COLD  Virus  Signs and symptoms occur
One of the most common acutely (within 24-48 hours)
upper respiratory infections  Sneezing, cough, nasal
usually secondary to viral stuffiness, “runny nose” and
pathogens. sore throat.
COVID-19  SARS-CoV-2 virus.  Most common symptoms:
Coronavirus disease Fever, cough, tiredness, loss
(COVID-19) is an infectious of taste or smell.
disease caused by the  Less common symptoms:
SARS-CoV-2 virus. sore throat, headache, aches
and pains, diarrhoea, a rash
on skin, or discolouration of
fingers or toes, red or
irritated eyes.
 Serious symptoms:
difficulty breathing or
shortness of breath, loss of
speech or mobility, or
confusion, chest pain.

CARE FOR THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Knowing the common respiratory diseases, its causes and symptoms, can help us understand
the serious threat that these diseases may pose to every individual. The acquisition of respiratory
diseases can be prevented. These are some tips on how we can take care of our respiratory
system.
 Do not smoke. Do not attempt to try to smoke.
 Avoid secondhand smoke.
 Avoid exposure to pollution.
 Do not contribute to air pollution.
 Have a regular exercise. Practice deep breathing.
 Eat nutritious foods.
 Consult a doctor if you feel some symptoms.
 Do not self-medicate.
 Regularly consult your physician.

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References

Textbooks
Science 9 Learner’s Module
1. Vela-Evangelista, Eden, et al. Science in Today’s World. Sibs Publishing House, Inc. Quezon
Avenue, Quezon City. 2017.
2. Abistado, Joanna M., et al. Science Links 9. Seamless K-12 edition 2014. Rex Bookstore, Inc.
(RSBI). Sampaloc, Manila. 2014.
3. Allas, Ian Mark F., et al. Discover Science 9. K-12 Curriculum. Diwa Learning System s Inc.
Makati City. Philippines. 2014
4. Ferriols-Pavio, Josefina Ma., et al. 2013. Exploring Life Through Science, Phoenix Publishing
House Inc. Quezon City. 2013.

E-learning Resources
1. Respiratory system
https:www.wenmd.com>lung>how-we-breathe
2. Respiratory System
https://biologydictionary.net/respiratory-system
3. Respiratory System Anatomy, Diagram and Functions (Healthline)
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/respiratory-sytem#4
4. Respiratory System
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-nmbiology2/chapter/respiratory-system/
5. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) - World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_3

Videos
1. The Respiratory System | For Science Grade 9
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS_Mg_SrHkY
2. Respiratory System - Introduction | Physiology | Biology | FuseSchool
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQsgZloXNPY
3. Respiration
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjfD55C9v38

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