Name: Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 4 min 47 s
Description: Shockingly a single disease can have more than 30 different causes! Many germs, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi can cause pneumonia. Explore one such pat...

Question

Explain human respiratory system.

Accepted Answer

The human respiratory system can be divided into two components: the conduction of gases and the exchange of gases. Human respiratory tract allows the passage of the atmospheric air into the lungs, during breathing. It comprises the following parts:

External nares- These are the external openings of the nasal chambers through which the atmospheric air enters the respiratory tract.

Nasal chambers- These chambers are present on either side of the nasal septum, inside nose. These help in the humidification and air conditioning.

Internal nares- The internal openings of the nasal chambers.

Nasopharynx- It is the part of pharynx where the internal nares open.

Larynx- It is present between the nasopharynx and the trachea. The opening of the larynx called glottis is covered by a leaf-like structure called epiglottis. It remains open except at the time of swallowing of food. This closure of the glottis prevents the entry of food into the respiratory tract and thus prevents chocking, that can be fatal.

Trachea- It is also called windpipe and is surrounded by C-shaped cartilaginous rings. It passes the air into the lungs via bronchi.

Primary and Secondary Bronchi- Primary bronchi are formed by the bifurcation of the trachea. Primary bronchi further divide to form secondary bronchi.

Bronchioles- These are the thin branches of the secondary bronchi.

Alveoli- These are the small grape-like structures formed of the thin endothelial layer that facilitate the diffusion of gases across them. These form the actual site of the gaseous exchange.

The bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli are present inside the lungs. The lungs form the part of the gaseous exchange of the respiratory system. These are a pair of respiratory organs present in the thoracic cavity. That lie on either side of the heart. Each lung is covered by a double layer of pleural membranes. The internal layer is called visceral pleura and the outer one is called the parietal pleura. A pleural cavity is present inside them which encloses a pleural fluid which presents the collapse of lungs when the pressure inside them is low and also prevent the friction between them. The left lung is two-lobed while the right lung is three-lobed.

Explain human respiratory system.

Important Questions on Breathing and Exchange of Gases

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