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Parts of the Respiratory System and their Function
Introduction to parts of the respiratory system and their function
Respiratory system consists of the organs that help to breathe. Respiration also known as breathing is the process
which delivers oxygen from the external atmosphere to the body and removes the carbon dioxide from body and
expels out. The main parts of the respiratory system and their functions are as follows
The nostrils
Trachea
Bronchi
Lungs
Alveolus
Diaphragm

Fig1:Parts of the respiratory system
Main Parts of the Respiratory System and their Function
The nostrils: Nostrils are involved in air intake, i.e. they bring air into the nose, where air is warmed and
humidified. The tiny hairs called cilia filters out dust and other particles present in the air and protects the nasal
passage and other regions of the respiratory tract.
Trachea: The trachea is also known as windpipe. The trachea filters the air we inhale and branches into the
bronchi.
Bronchi: The bronchi are the two air tubes that branch off of from the trachea and carry atmospheric air directly
into the lungs.
Lungs: The main organ of the respiratory system is lungs. Lungs are the site in body where oxygen is taken into and
carbon dioxide is expelled out. The red blood cells present in the blood picks up the oxygen in the lungs and carry
and distribute the oxygen to all body cells that need it. The red blood cells donate the oxygen to the cells and picks
up the carbon dioxide produced by the cells.
Alveolus: Alveolus is the tiny sac like structure present in the lungs which the gaseous exchange takes place.
Diaphragm: Breathing begins with a dome-shaped muscle located at the bottom of the lungs which is known as
diaphragm. When we breathe in the diaphragm contracts and flatten out and pull downward. Due to this
movement the space in the lungs increases and pulls air into the lungs. When we breathe out, the diaphragm
expands and reduces the amount of space for the lungs and forces air out.
The larynx is a muscular and cartilaginous structure that holds the vocal cords. This body organ is used by human
beings to breathe, talk and swallow. The larynx is lined with mucous membrane and forms part of the respiratory
system.
The pharynx is a small muscular tube connecting the mouth to the esophagus, however, what is the function of the
pharynx? The pharynx is said to have dual roles, wherein it serves both the respiratory and digestive system.
However, let's have a look at what is the function of the pharynx in digestion and respiration processes of our
body.

The bronchioles are passages in the respiratory system that begin at the end of the bronchi. After taking a breath,
air passes through the nose or mouth and into the trachea. It then enters the main bronchus.

The trachea (windpipe) divides into two main or primary bronchi, the left and the right, at the level of the sternal
angle and of the fifththoracic vertebra or up to two vertebrae higher or lower, depending on breathing, at the
anatomical point the carina of trachea. Theright main bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left
main bronchus.
[2]
It enters the right lung at approximately the fifth thoracic vertebra. The right main bronchus
subdivides into three secondary bronchi (also known as lobar bronchi), which deliver air to the three lobes of the
right lung.The azygos vein arches over it from behind; and the right pulmonary artery lies at first below and then in
front of it. About 2 cm from its commencement it gives off a branch, the eparterial bronchus, to the upper lobe of
the right lung. Eparterial refers to its position above the right pulmonary artery. The right bronchus now passes
below the artery, and is known as the hyparterial branch; it divides into two branches for the middle and lower
lobes.
The left main bronchus is smaller in caliber but longer than the right, being 5 cm long. It enters the root of the left
lung opposite the sixth thoracic vertebra. It passes beneath the aortic arch, crosses in front of the esophagus,
the thoracic duct, and the descending aorta, and has the left pulmonary artery lying at first above, and then in
front of it. The left bronchus has no eparterial branch, and therefore it has been supposed by some that there is no
upper lobe to the left lung, but that the so-called upper lobe corresponds to the middle lobe of the right lung.